Dear to Us
Dear To Us
1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NLT) We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.
In her loneliest moments, Mary, the mother of Jesus, received support from the people God put in her life. She experienced the marvels of Jesus’ life here on earth, but she also witnessed the harshest reality of Jesus’ sacrifices. At the beginning and the end of Jesus’ earthly life, God provided comfort for Mary through the hospitality of others.
Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, was empowered by the Holy Spirit to recognize the child Mary carried before Mary spoke a word. (Luke 1:41) The two pregnant women spent precious time together anticipating the births of their sons. Elizabeth’s name means God’s promise. Through Elizabeth, God assured Mary she carried the long-promised savior.
With her pregnancy a few months behind Elizabeth, Mary worked alongside her to prepare the home for baby John. This support helped Elizabeth, as she was advanced in age for childbirth, but it also gave Mary a safe place to stay as her belly grew. Her three-month visit ended after the birth of John the Baptist.
Thirty-three years later, another John took Mary into his home after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Instructed from the cross, John the disciple cared for Mary as if she were his mother. “When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27 NLT)
Such a marvelous gift Jesus gave His mother, as He suffered on the cross. In that moment, He set aside Himself and cared for this dear woman who had cared for Him through His entire life.
John honored this request by taking Mary into his home, where she lived for the rest of her life. He honored her as a good son would, ensuring her needs were met. She continued to meet with the disciples and waited for the promised Holy Spirit. God provided for her as she joined the others in constant prayer.
These people helped Mary traverse the unique life God planned for her. God provided kind-hearted people who opened their home to her during her greatest need. Elizabeth confirmed the miracle of the child in her belly, and John comforted her after the excruciating crucifixion.
Loneliness can cripple us, especially during transition periods in our life. As we age, our opportunities to develop new relationships decrease as we interact with fewer people. This, coupled with the divisive nature of our current culture, pushes people away from engaging with others. We fear rejection and anticipate an adverse response to reaching out.
But the Lord calls us to share hospitality with others so that we don’t live this life alone. The generous reception of others is an ancient practice that needs to continue today. Simply put, we have a choice. We tend to become self-centered, fixating on our own needs and limitations, allowing our insecurities to take control. Instead, we choose to extend a hand, loosening the grip of insecurity, and maybe we invite at least one in. The effect of the greeting is immaterial. It is simply the right thing to do.
Scripture reminds us of the importance of extending love to all we meet. This powerful message is one form of loving our neighbor. It goes against the idea of looking out for oneself first, it can feel risky, but we are to do it anyway.
Our goal is not to impress our guests but to meet the needs of weary friends
