Diversity applies to our gifts, our culture, our age, even our gender. But diversity in the body of Christ also applies to the seasons in our lives.

We will go through times of great joy and times of great sorrow. “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Eccl 3:4, NASU). God wants us to experience these seasons together in the community of Christ. “When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow” (Rom 12:15, NLT).

We know that God calls us to serve and comfort others; but God also wants us to allow others to serve and comfort us during our times of need. “For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; so that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty” (Job 6:14, NASU). If we do not humble ourselves by allowing others to come alongside us during troubling times, we are putting our very faith in God at risk. God uses others to nurture and encourage us in our faith, to lift us up and help us to keep our hearts focused on the love of our Creator.
“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble” (1 Peter 3:8, NIV). God commands all of us to be sympathetic and compassionate, but some are especially gifted in this area. A Christian counselor, lay counselor or a Support Group can assist you in healing. “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Cor 1:4, NLT). Support groups like Divorce Recovery, Grief Support, or Addiction Recovery are facilitated by people who have walked through these circumstances, giving them a greater depth of understanding and compassion for those now suffering.
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” ( 1 Cor 12:26, NIV). When a body part is injured, the other parts will do the job of that part until it is healed. The job of the injured part becomes allowing itself to rest and heal until it is able to work in the body again. It may be necessary for you to step down from ministry for a period of time to allow for your healing. This is an act of service to the Lord and to the body of Christ.
Are you ignoring your own godly needs? Do you hesitate to serve God by humbly allowing others to serve you? Allowing ourselves to be healed through the loving service of others is an act of service to the Lord. He wants us to be healed because He loves us SO MUCH. He will use our healed and recreated self for the glory of His Kingdom, but first and foremost He heals and transforms us because we are uniquely loved and cherished by Him. Are you allowing God and His people to love you this way?
A personal note: I have experienced the kind of healing and support I am encouraging you to seek in your time of need. God has used a Pastor, a Counselor, Divorce Recovery and loving Christian friends to assist me in my own journey of healing from a heart-breaking divorce.
09/16/2003