“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22, NIV)

In Chapter 9 of 1 Corinthians Paul encourages Christians to willingly give up their ”rights” for the good of those who are weak in their faith. He states a willingness to continually change his own behaviour, setting aside his own rights, in order lead as many as possible to Christ.

Some time ago I served about four years as a chaplain at two local nursing homes.  Initially this was quite a challenge.  I learned quickly that I must meet people where they are, not where I want them to be.  Like Paul I had to become all things to all people.  There was no way I could meet a resident for the first time and immediately start talking about Jesus.  I would have to discuss the weather, then about their family, about their own situation and quite often about the food at the nursing home. With the men we had to talk sport.   I had to meet people where they were.  Some that I met were lifelong Christians and it was so easy to share with them, to comfort them and of course to pray with them.

With others I had to become as them, to suffer their complaints and their illnesses.  Having got their confidence it was then easy to talk about them, where they came from, what they did in life and about their children.  Almost without exception as young children they had to attend (or as some admitted ‘suffer’) Sunday school.  This wasn’t an option but a traditional requirement.   Most did not understand it and few remained in the faith.  What mistakes were made in the past and are perhaps being made today!

But it often opened a door.  “Did you say prayers at Sunday school?”  Do you remember any children’s hymns and songs?”  Often they did.  “Do you pray now?”  “Do you feel as if a (comforting) prayer would help you?”  “Would you like me to say a prayer for you now?”

Faith cannot be rebuilt quickly, it takes  time and often many visits.  Did I save some?  I would pray that I did.  Perhaps one day I will meet some of them in a better place.  

But there was one lady.  My first visit was so like many others.  But visit after visit things changed.  She was comfortable when I prayed for and with her and shared some scriptures. I encouraged her to say the Lord’s Prayer each night and I’m sure she did.  One morning after many visits the nurse told me that she had passed away in the night.

“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22, NIV)

Have a good week, Pastor Ron

Reading; John 3:16 

This is one of a series of weekly messages of encouragement, now in its twenty-sixth year, originating from Gympie, Fraser Coast, Queensland, Australia. A companion Bible study page is available each week. To subscribe via email send to w4w2@bigpond.com with the words ‘Subscribe Word (or) Subscribe Word & Study’. Our ministry is free and emailing lists are confidential. Tell a friend or why not put a note in your church newsletter or pew sheet about this ministry – we welcome new subscriptions.Pastor Ron Clarke OAMWord for the WeekMbl.: +61 488 424 321
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