1 Corinthians 16:17-18

"I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatas and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such." 1 Corinthians 16:17-18

Self-analysis is a must in this life. I am highly critical of other people that come into my life. My attention turns more towards others(in a negative way) than upon my own faults. I analyze people continually, and list their faults in my head. This force or focus needs to be redirected inside my own heart. The question is posed: what contribution do I make in a group of Christians?

Are they glad when I come into the setting? Or, are they instantly wearied or fatigued? Do I bring Christ with me into the group? Or, do I come barging in with "ME" all over my shoulders. Temperance must be used in these situations. A respect for ourselves and more importantly other's needs. A selfish factor can creep into us. We cannot come in with an overbearing load. The stronger in faith must give way to the weaker in faith. "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." Romans 15:1 We are to give more of us to them. They need a bit more of a visual than the strong. We are aptly named (if we are strong) because of the faith we place in Jesus. God sends the strong to be a comfort to those in need, not a discomfort by bringing the world in with us. (By no means must we appear perfect, but we must limit the demands we make on one another. Lift up the rest directly to God.) "Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;" Colossians 4:8 "Estate" in this verse means circumstances or how your life is currently.

We are to supply that which is lacking. It seems I am picking on those that are weaker in the faith, but this applies to all manner of things. Joy, knowledge, loving-kindness, temperance, or any great example that Jesus gave us in his life. Joy is always lacking for me, especially at work. Never have enough knowledge of Jesus. Each one of us flesh these traits out to exceptional degrees. Life taxes us. The world wearies our bodies. When we gather as the body, we must shine those God gifts. Create an aura of love that refreshes, revives, invigorates, and recuperates us after a worldly week. Allow God to work through us. He is the only one who can give us the strength to be a comfort to others. God may be working more directly on some than others. The Holy Spirit should blow down the breezeway of your heart to brighten up another's heart. Add luster to the paint, the world has tried to dull, upon your heart.

One of our purposes in this world is to be a comfort to each other. To strengthen, sympathize, love, and teach one another. It is how we keep the world at bay. Do not allow the world to change you into depending on people. We are here to complement each other, not completely depend or support each other. Stand tall in your dependence on God. He will give us exactly what we need to be a blessing to those when they need it.

kenny