Today's Passage - Col 4:7-9

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Colossians 4:7-9   ...that he may encourage your hearts.  He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.   Paul really knew how to comfort people.  He knew that the Colossian church really cared about him and his situation, and he sent Tychecus and Onesimus back to Colossus to brief the church of his status, thus comforting the concerning hearts of the brothers and sisters.   Comforting each other in the Lord is one virtue that the church really needs to restore.  Nowadays, it is difficult to find friends who can comfort each other.  In the Bible, Job didn't lose his faith when the disasters happened or when his wife passed away, but he almost lost his faith when his friends came to visit him.  That's why Job said: "A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty."  When a person is in despair and disappointment, a friend's comfort is extremely important.  True friends can bring comfort to others around them, so are there people around us who are in despair and disappointment?  Are we bringing them comfort in the Lord with our love?   Most importantly, we must be sensitive the hearts of people.  Being sensitive doesn't mean agreeing with them or doing exactly what they expect.  When we are sensitive to others, it makes them feel respected and understood.  What people really need is the feeling of being understood and accepted.  Also, if you really want to comfort someone, you must take action of caring.  If you are sensitive to someone's feeling but never express it, they will still not be comforted.  Really caring might not involve some major action, but sometimes a call, a card or a visit can bring someone comfort that is far beyond what you can imagine.   Are there people who need to be comforted around you?  We very often know what to do, but we need the determination to actually do it, and then we can bring out the momentum for love in our life.           Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord Jesus, may you open our eyes so that we will see people in need around us.  Please send me among the people in need so that I may spread the love of Christ.  Through phone calls, cards and visitation, I want to share the love of Christ.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!