Drawing Closer Together
Be Strong, Be Well — Thursday, February 11, 2021
We have known certain experiences bring us closer together, as family, as neighbors, and as a people. If we think back on those times, we will remember it was during trials and tribulation, sorrow and adversity that we were drawn closer to one another.
During the sickness and/or death of a loved one, family members and close friends are drawn closer to each other to share their burdens and grief. As Paul said, we "weep with those who weep." We reach out and do what can be done to help in these situations. Afterwards, we often say or hear, “I could not have done it without you.”
During a national crisis, we have rallied around one another. When we were introduced to terrorism on 911, we drew strength and comfort from one another. As Americans, we grieved for so many families who lost their loved ones in those senseless attacks. We came out of that gut-punch with a new resolve. We will stand together and push forward and be better people because of what we had been through. However, it seems as though many of our countrymen today, have forgotten the common ground we stood on back then.
There are some things that do not bring us closer. Material wealth and power divide us and push us away from each other. In our abundance we feel self-sufficient. In our self-reliance and pride, we mistakenly think we can do it on our own. We’ll survive just fine with what we have. We don’t need anyone. Basically we can do whatever we want, and we don't have to answer to anyone. This attitude does not bring us closer. This is the very reason we are alienated and distant from each other these days.
Christians of all people, should know how important we are to one another in all circumstances. The Scriptures teach us how members of the church should feel about our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:25, 26, “...there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
We should learn to use every circumstance and interaction among us to draw closer to our families, friends, neighbors, fellow countrymen, and most of all, our Christian brethren. —Chris