my parents cared enough about me to see that I was taken to the doctor where he gave me a series of shots to keep me from getting several of the contagious diseases of childhood.

 

Later, when I joined the Navy, I went to boot camp in Bainbridge, Maryland.  Within a couple of days of arriving there my whole company was marched to Sickbay.  There syringes were used to give us shots in various parts of our bodies - all designed to keep us from getting a whole slew of exotic diseases if -and -when we were shipped out to some foreign country halfway around the world.  In this way, the Navy showed that they cared enough about me to want me to be healthy and strong.

 

In both of the above situations, it was known that I would be exposed to potentially dangerous illnesses and the shots were used to prepare my body so that - hopefully- none of those ailments would be life threatening to me.  In short, the deliberate attempt was made to prevent sickness with the usual “ounce of prevention.”  In other words, an environment was created in my body where health would prevail and sickness would be prevented.

 

In the same way, all of us who are active in the church have an opportunity to care for and help others in our congregation with another kind of care.  What we do and say can be like a “shot in the arm” to those around us- those who need to hear an encouraging word from us from time-to-time.  You see, we can, by encouraging each other, help to create a healthy atmosphere where the mission and ministry of Jesus can thrive and prosper.

 

Let's make it our deliberate, conscious desire to “love one another” and in this way, prevent a lot of unnecessary grief in the lives of our brothers and sisters in what may be treacherous days ahead.  What I mean is, we can help others by creating a home-like, healthy environment where we: emphasize quality worship, promote and join in times of fun and relaxation so a personal bonding can take place.

 

We need to be interested in the needs and concerns of others around us; become good listeners so that communication is open and healthy; constantly learn and study the Bible and then pass on this wisdom in a caring and loving way to our church family.  We need to encourage a healthy environment of community concern for one another, together with a sense of unity and purpose- as we worship God together.

 

We need to begin now to act in such a way, toward each other, that it is obvious to both the members of our church and the community at large that we are a people who care about people.  Through these acts of love, we will be reflecting- in part- the radiance and love of Jesus - who really cares!

 

Terry L. Weber