REMEMBERING THOSE WHO ARE SHUT-IN

We are told to help bear one another burdens (Gal. 6:2). In Philippians 2:4, we are instructed to “look out for the things of others. “Pure religion is defined by James as “visiting the fatherless and widows” as well as keeping ourselves unspotted from the world (James 1:27). Paul tells us that when opportunity comes, we should “do good unto all and especially unto the household of faith” (Galatians 6:2). Then there is Matthew 7:12, which we have called the Golden Rule. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them: for this the law and the prophets.” It is simply saying that we ought to treat others as we want to be treated.

In every congregation we find some members who, due to age and sickness, are no longer able to get out as they once did. They are confined at home with the family or else in a nursing home. Some are widows and widowers and all are of the household of faith. They are burdened in many ways. They have the burden of loneliness. Some burden themselves with the thoughts that they are burdens to their families and this is a great weight upon them. Every member of the church should respond to these people.

We can respond with a card if the person is able to read. A phone call will help. From time to time a visit should be made. A little gift often helps to lift their spirits with just a word to let them know that they are not forgotten. Little things mean a great deal to those who are no longer as active as they once were.

If we do not die young, we will all get old sometime. Some of us will be in nursing homes and confined within the homes of our families. We need to be reaching out to those who are shut-in that we might set the example for others to follow when we reach that point in life. Those who are young and able to go should treat those who are not as we would want to be treated in that day.

Let us not forget the shut-in.