Stephen Ministers March 2020

Receptivity to Care

by Lynn Armstrong

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

~Matthew 11:28

Most people are much more open to giving care than to receiving it. When a person is giving care, he or she is in a position of strength, stability, and authority. When a person is receiving care, he or she is acknowledging need, insecurity, and vulnerability.

As a result, there are countless people today who, though they really could benefit from a Christian friend who would listen and care for them, tough it out on their own. They remain the strong silent type, or wear a smile on a face that is holding back a flood of tears.

But God did not create us to be independent. We were created to be interdependent. In Genesis, God tells us “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). The New Testament underscores this theme with more than 50 verses that contain the words “one another.” These verses tell us to “love one another,” “encourage one another,’ “build up one another,” and “pray for one another.” The “one another” wording has a reciprocal meaning. It also tells us that we are to allow other people to love, encourage, build up, and pray for us!

It is most difficult for people to ask for help. But suffering alone is not God’s intent for us. Jesus promises, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We can receive this promised rest when we turn to one another for comfort and help.

If you are going through a difficult time and would like to request the care of a Stephen Minister, contact any of our Stephen Leaders or the church office.

Make use of it. Stephen Ministry belongs to you!

Stephen Ministry:

Christ Caring for People

Through People