____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ October 4, 1992 ____________________________________________________ Showing Sympathy To One Another by Tom Edwards Paul's instruction to be of a sympathetic nature is seen in Romans 12:15. Here he exhorts the Christian to ``Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.'' Is this true of us, though? Are we glad or sinfully envious of another's good fortune? And are we saddened by the sorrow of another or do we gloat in his having to undergo adversity? As we consider the need for sympathy, I am mindful of the shortest verse in the Bible that so tenderly tells us that ``Jesus wept'' (Jn. 11:35). The circumstances that prompted these tears of grief pertained to the sadness that Jesus saw in Mary, along with the Jews with her, whose brother Lazarus had recently died. On seeing their bereavement, Jesus ``groaned in the spirit and was troubled'' (v. 33). An inference can be made from Hebrews 13:3 that illustrates what showing sympathy is. Can you see it? The passage reads, ``Remember the prisoners as if chained with them, and those who are mistreated, since you yourselves are in the body also'' (Heb. 13:3). Here it is: ``as if chained with them.'' To do this is to do what that wise, old Indian used to say: ``Before you criticize another, try walking a mile in his moccasins.'' One of the dictionary terms of ``sympathy'' is ``the ability to share the feelings of another.'' Through sympathy, we strive to fully understand with tender compassion what another is experiencing--which is usually pertaining to something that causes grief, sadness, or some other negative emotion--and from that perspective, we then seek to lighten the weight of despair or misfortune. It was Charles A. Parkhusrt who said, ``Sympathy is two hearts tugging at one load.'' Sharing another's burden in this manner is part of how one fulfills the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2), and love shown to our neighbor is such a high commandment that there is only one greater, and that is to love God with all one's heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matt. 22:37-39). The teacher of a young seven-year-old boy, who had recently been able to return to school after having his left arm amputated, had made an unusual request of her class. In order to help them better understand what it must be like for the young amputee, she had them each tie their left arm behind their back in order to try to manage without it during the entire class. Soon they experienced for themselves how difficult it can be to turn pages, to write neatly, and to perform other tasks when impaired in that way. Because they took the time to put themselves in Andy's place, they soon learned to better empathize with him. Andy, however, had already mastered many of these procedures and was able to instruct the class as well. He could actually help lead the way for them. In similar manner, Christ is able to ``sympathize with our weakness'' because He ``has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin'' (Heb. 4:15). He knows what a challenge it is to live faithfully, but He met that challenge head on and accomplished a life of perfect obedience. Let us follow His example in how to overcome the weaknesses of the flesh by being led by His Spirit through the word of the gospel. Because of Christ's love and mercy that He has shown to us (Rom. 5:6-10; 1 John 4:1), we should certainly be able to show sympathy and compassion to others. Remember, to be unforgiving toward those who ask our forgiveness is to be unforgiven by God Himself (Matt. 6:15); and to not show mercy to those in need will cause God to hold His mercy from us (James 2:13). May the love of God motivate us to be of a sympathetic nature toward one another--whenever it is needed. ___________________________________________ The Power of Words by Tom Edwards I imagine even more in number than all the fruit on all the apple trees upon our planet are the number of words found in the many volumes of books in our world. What a wide range of descriptions we can make because of these helpful little tools. They are virtually weightless. With great ease we can carry them about and draw on the right ones to formulate thoughts for ourselves and to communicate with others. Words can become a very colorful conveyance and a most helpful and needful source. CAUTION * SLOW DOWN * STOP * POISON * SLIPPERY WHEN WET * NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION * KEEP AWAY FROM FLAME OR HEAT * BEWARE OF DOG * ``HE WHO KEEPS MY WORDS SHALL NEVER SEE DEATH'' * How helpful words can be. They can caution us from dangers, enlightened us with exciting truths, inform us of things we need to know, link us with the past, and give us a glimpse of realms beyond our reach. Words of the Bible can teach us of the way that leads to heaven itself. ``The unfolding of Thy words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple'' (Psa. 119:130). ``Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path'' (Psa. 119:105). Where would we be without words? Without them, not only would man be hindered from a fuller enjoyment through communication in the secular realm, but without language, man would not be able to know the way of redemption and be saved. Though words can be helpful and make life more beautiful, they can also be an impediment and mar that which is lovely. Joe Music read for us last Sunday night from James 3 in which the tongue is likened to a small bit in a horse's mouth, as well as the tiny rudder on a ship and the little flame that can ignite an immense forest. The bit and the rudder--though small--can control that which is much larger. Whether a horse seventeen hands high or an enormous ship the size of the Queen Mary, they both can be maneuvered from an easy pull on the reins or a casual turn on the wheel, respectively. And what a great damage a small flame can do! Someone once said that ``More fires are caused by matches and cigarettes than by volcanoes. More heartaches and sorrow are caused by little words and deeds of unkindness than by open acts of dislike and enmity.'' In 1871, the Chicago fire, which destroyed all but two buildings in an area one mile wide and three miles long, began due to a small oil lamp that was knocked over while a woman was milking a cow. May this cause us to never forget the far-reaching devastation that can be produced by also a ``little'' fiery word spoken during a heated argument or while in a furious rage, and be mindful of the Bible's exhortation that ``A soft answer turns away wrath....'' (Prov 15:1). Invisible (or written) words can be powerfully influential over the lives of others, and this for either the good or the bad. I once heard of a man who had been in the best of health and feeling great as the morning began. Periodically, throughout the day, however, he was approached by people who intentionally told him that he wasn't looking too well. This they were doing as an experiment to see how the mind can affect the body (Psychosomatics). Eventually, this man began feeling ill. Words had affected his well-being. Why not learn to use words in a positive way? As the wise Solomon expressed in Proverbs 16:24, ``Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.'' Surely, most people appreciate hearing an encouraging word from time to time, and isn't there always something good we can find to say about someone--rather than only the negative? Even though the Corinthians abounded with their various spiritual problems, Paul was still able to tell them that he thanked God for them, and for the enrichment they had in Christ (1 Cor. 1:4,5). A convict from Darlington, England, who just finished serving three years in prison due to embezzlement, was rather concerned about how the outside world would now receive him. His initial outlook had been gloomy. By chance (or was it by providence?), he was greeted that day with a cherry hello by the Mayor of the town, Mr. John Morel. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, the ex-jailbird continued on his way, having not said anything. Years later, these two ran into each other again. ``I want to thank you,'' the ex-convict said, ``for what you did for me when I came out of prison.'' ``What did I do?'' asked the mayor. ``You spoke a kind word to me and changed my life,'' replied the grateful man. Yes, words can change peoples' lives--and how much more so the words of the gospel? In writing to the Roman brethren, Paul states, ``For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes....'' (Rom. 1:16). Conversion power is not found in miracles today or in inexplicable experiences. In John 16:8, Jesus said about the Holy Spirit that ''...He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment''; How did He do this? Through one's hearing the spoken word of God (Acts 2) and through one's reading the written revelation (2 Cor. 7:8; Rom. 7:7). Corresponding to this latter thought, it was Paul's letter to the Corinthians that had produced a godly sorrow (that leads to repentance); and, as Paul states in Romans 7:7, ''...I would not have come to know sin except through the Law.'' Salvation cannot be apart from the Scriptures. Though Cornelius was ``devout,'' ``feared God...gave many alms...and prayed to God continually'' (Acts 10:2), he still had to hear the gospel and obey it in order to be saved from past sins. This is realized from Acts 11:14, which shows that Cornelius needed the power that only the Lord's message could provide: ``and he shall speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.'' Is it any wonder why Paul exhorted the Colossians to ``Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you'' (Col. 3:16)? When the seed of God's word is planted in our hearts, and we are striving to cultivate it--by watering it and pulling out the weeds of sin that want to crop up in our hearts--then, surely, the fruits of righteousness will blossom and grow abundantly. Furthermore, the Christian is instructed to ''...grow in the grace and knowledge'' of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18) and to desire the milk of the word as a newborn babe that by it he might grow spiritually (1 Pet. 2:2). By doing this, we will be able to meditate on those things that Paul says we should: the things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8). As we examine the Scriptures and make its contents part of our lives, these noble virtues become more than mere words on a page: they become our character. In his farewell to the Ephesians elders, Paul said in Acts 20:32, ``And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.'' Let us learn to use our words to the glory of the Lord and the upbuilding of one another and allow the words of the gospel to work in us now and lead us home to God in heaven. Yes, words can be powerful tools that serve as a spiritual conveyance which can translate one from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son (Col. 1:13). ___________________________________________ Take the time to investigate God's word. It can lead to eternal benefits. ___________________________________________ "If Thy law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Thy precepts, for by them Thou hast revived me" (Psalm 119:92,93). ________________________________________ Tri-State CHURCH OF CHRIST 1314 Montgomery Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky 41101 Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Bible class 10:50 A.M. Worship 6:30 P.M. Worship Wednesday: 7:30 P.M. Bible study evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (606) 325-9742 e-mail: tedwards@zoomnet.net Gospel Observer web site: http://www.zoomnet.net/~tedwards/go ________________________________________