Have you learned the preciousness of loving through tears? Diane shares.
“And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that [Jesus] was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind Him, at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed His feet and anointed them with the ointment.” (Luke 7:37-38).
We met almost twenty years ago through Sunday school and a mutual friend. I was giving her a ride to the women’s retreat. She lived just around the corner.
From that time on our friendship would grow. She was chronically ill then. At the time, i had some issues, but not as severe. As the years rolled on we would find our roles swapping according to illnesses.
It’s funny how God establishes friendships between those of us who are chronically Ill. He knows we will need one another for encouragement, someone who can understand exactly what you’re feeling.
Jesus knows those feelings too, yet He also knows we desire someone here in human form, who will listen, understand, and even hold our hand.
In the scripture above the woman humbled herself, seeking forgiveness, and obeying the Father’s will. Through her tears she washed Jesus’ feet and then anointed Him, showing Him the Father’s love.
This week my sister in Christ has been very ill. The Father urged me to go–do the same for her as this woman did for Jesus. On the way, I was crying and praying for the Holy Spirit to renew her hope and her to feel God’s love.
Friends, my message is this: we are called to be ministers in many ways, you and I. Sometimes it will be to rejoice in healings, other times to pray for rest. There will be times such as these, which God calls us to minister through our tears, just as I’m sure our Lord Jesus does for us.
Let’s not relinquish that gift of being God’s hands, His feet, His voice, the gift of His love for a friend. May we be bold in our Spirit and allow God to use us in whatever capacity He can.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the opportunities You give each of us to show Your love to others. I pray, Lord, that we will not hesitate to obey You in all circumstances. May we always look to You for the hope and the promise of the future You have given us with You. Amen.
About the author:
Diane Kalata, lives in Central Florida, she is blessed to have a wonderful husband, who is also her caregiver in illness, three grown children, one grand baby and more on the way..! She is a cancer survivor, but continues to deal with chronic digestive and neuropathic issues. She loves art and writing. Her desire is to continually be an encouragement to others; looking daily for those “God opportunities” to share His love and truth with others.
How has friendships with chronically challenged friends enriched your life? What are some of the ways God has allowed you to minister to them? Is there a time where you served God through the tears? Please share, as you will encourage us all.
This is the group Calling Glory singing “Teach Me to Love.” There are days when I pray this because someone is making it difficult to love them! It is then I realize just how amazing Jesus is, that He never sinned–feeling frustrated or impatient with someone. We are here on earth to love–as He loved us. And we need a lot of help. Don’t forget to ask God to teach you to love if someone is challenging the feelings that you are naturally having. -Lisa
God has blessed me with friends who are also chronically sick and understand what I am going through. God put one friend in my life with the same illness that I didn’t know I had yet. God knew I would need this friend. I want to bless others and encourage them. Your devotionals and website a
huge encouragement. Thank you.
Peggy please forgive the late reply, I’m so very glad God has blessed you with such wonderful relationship.
I’m always amazed how God goes before us and prepares the way. He truly is a God of Love and Comfort.
Thank you for sharing! Blessings to you. Di
Diane – how wonderful to read of this long time friendship you share and how at differing times each of you have been strong for one another when the other is more weakened.
I don’t know one other person in “real life” who is chronically ill. How interesting to read your devotional and realize that. I do have friend who have gone through shorter seasons of grief or recovery from a surgery and have done what I could to be available.
Last night in my Bible study, we were sharing about the woman who poured out all she had and how Jesus blessed her giving and how she would be remembered ( though nameless ) through all the ages ( much like the widow who gave all she had. It was in the context in the Book of Mark where we were comparing how Jesus broke Himself for us – how at the Last Supper he broke bread and blessed it and gave it out saying we are to “do this in remembrance”.
It can be suffering on one level to reach out when we are, ourselves suffering and it is suffering to cry tears of pain for a loved on in pain. All of it is brokenness and surrender but made in God’s image and infused with His Love – we are able.
Looking for ways to keep others encouraged is a most special gift.
Love – Lynn
Wish I could come & sit with you in “real life”…. have a cuppa, chat, pray, cry & laugh together! Know I am in cyber space! Hugs to you Lynn. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Lynn, thank you so much for taking time to comment, I’m sorry just now responding, I totally missed that this Devotional came out! I love your words on how there is suffering in both but with God, when we relinquished that brokenness to Him, we become infused by His love, and share Him with it. Thank you for pointing out that true blessing. Hugs Di
Reading your story about your friendship Di, seemed to reinforce why God puts us in touch with different people – because He knows what we will need, before we do. Being open to whatever He calls us to do, is certainly a gift.
Praying you can continue to be a great source of support for your dear friend and that you’ll both be encouraged and blessed by being together.
Blessings,
Fiona
Fiona, do true! I too know our friendships and even short acquaintances are all specifically ordained by Gid. Each for specific purposes. I’m learning more & more how to listen & pay attention to those Gid moments as well as the long term and invested friendships. Thank you for your encouragement! As well as you he many gifts you pour out on others yourself! Be blessed, Di
What a special story of true friendship, Di! 🙂 What a precious gift to your friend to minister to her in the same way as the woman ministered to Jesus…. through her tears. I’m sure your friend really valued that special time with you.
Tears can be very healing to express love to another who is suffering, as you say. I’m one who can’t help crying when someone shares something sad. I used to be embarrassed, but have learned over the years that it’s actually a blessing for the other person & allows a precious ministry of prayer.
I pray that your precious friendship with your friend continues to grow deeper in love & faith. God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Kerryn, thank you! Yes, I agree those tears are healing for both. And when we think about our Lord, catching each of those tears that may fall, it becomes even more therapeutic. Continuing yo pray for you as well. Hugs & love, Di