Thanks For The Call
By Allan E. McNabb

Life experiences teach us a lot, and remind us of lessons we’ve forgotten.

In this article, I want to share a lesson I was reminded of over the last few days.

The Call
Dawn had her wisdom teeth out last Wednesday.

We announced this at church to explain her absence.  Then after the service, many people asked about her and I explained the complications she was experiencing, along with my concern.

Fortunately, around eleven o’clock that evening, Dawn improved and could go to sleep.

Over the next couple of days, people from our congregation (and others) called and sent text messages to see how she was doing.

Since Dawn couldn’t talk most of the time, Beth and I took the calls, then told her about them.

It Shows You Care
Not every situation lends itself to calling the sick.  But since we were home and Dawn’s family could take the calls, this was the perfect situation.

As Christians, when we call to check on the sick, it shows we care about them.

And because our actions show we care, the people involved are encouraged, especially spiritually.

It reminds me of an expression we’ve talked about with evangelism, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

You see, it’s important people know how much we care, whether it’s our brethren, family, or neighbors.

Even God shows us how much He cares, by sending Jesus to die on the cross, and become a propitiation for our sins (1 Jn. 4:9-10).  And because we know how much God cares, it compels us to love Him in return (1 Jn. 4:19).

It Shows They’re Important
God shows us we’re important.  He sent Jesus to die for us on the cross (Jn. 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:14-15).

And when we, as God’s children, go out of our way to help someone, we show them they’re important to God, the church, and ourselves.

I remember when a man in the Thomasville church called Pam, when she was a young teen, just to chat and encourage her.
It meant the world to her, that an adult other than her parents cared enough to call and chat.

And as her father, I must say the phone call helped her spiritually, by letting her know she was important to the people at church, and to God.

It Shows You’re Thinking About Them
When we reflect upon the fact that God is thinking about us, we’re encouraged and strengthened.  Like the old song taken from Psalms 40:7 says:
Amid the trials which I meet,
Amid the thorns which pierce my feet,
One tho’t remains supremely sweet,
Thou thinkest, Lord, of me!
Thou thinkest, Lord of me, (of me,)
Thou thinkest, Lord of me, (of me,)
What need I fear when thou art near,
And thinkest Lord of me.

Besides God, it’s also encouraging when we know others are thinking about us, especially our brethren.

We know they’re concerned about us, and often praying for us when thinking about us.

This increases our confidence, while giving us comfort, knowing that God is listening and will bless us in the best possible way (Ja. 5:13-16; 1 Jn. 5:14-15).

A Cup of Cold Water
Jesus says, “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward” (Matt. 10:42).

A cup of cold water can represent anything a person needs.  Water is one of the most basic needs of life, and something that refreshes everyone.

There are lots of ways to give a cup of cold water.

One is to call a sick person to see how they are, and possibly take something they need.

The important thing for us as Christians is to give the cold water, whatever it is.