Small Group

Good Morning,

Mark 2:1-4 (New International Version)
A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.


The verse that came to me today was verse 3, "Some men came, bringing Him a paralytic, carried by four of them." The first thought that entered my mind was, "If I was in such need, where would the four friends to help me come from?" Then I thought, "Do I even HAVE four friends who care enough for me who WOULD help me at a time like this?" Sobering thoughts, aren't they? Now, I would hope that all who read these words would have friends that come to help in time of need, but that isn't always the case I'm afraid. Read the following, please, about yet another reason for a strong and supportive Small Group.

By: Greg Aitkens
A few years ago, a look at the small group I'm a part of would have revealed a man who was recently divorced and unemployed, another who was underemployed and looking for work, and still another with a very challenging work environment who's wife had recently come through a very serious surgery.

We all encounter trials, tough times, periods of desolation. In gatherings such as a our small group, we can exhibit compassion, empathy and concern for the lives of friends and family members. We can pray, fast and intercede on their behalf. We can do our best to encourage them and walk with them in their most crucial times of need.

We can help others to locate new employment, suggest helpful scriptures or books, or just call them a few times during the week to check in. It is also important to encourage others to "talk it out" and share about their anxieties and fears. Nothing can replace the knowledge that we are supported by others during our toughest times.

As the old song says, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love." Let us exhibit that sweet love and compassion to our brothers and sisters who need it.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE: Do you reach out to your brothers and sisters when you know they are going through a challenging time?

There are so very many reasons to belong to such a group as the one we read of today, but in my humble opinion the reason that is at, or at least very close to, the top of the list is that we can offer support when times are difficult. So, that brings us to this present day. My friends, times ARE difficult. They might be OK for you, but for the rest of humanity? Not so much, as folks are wont to say today.

It would be ludicrous and redundant to go over all the wrongs and trials that exist in our local communities, cities, states, countries, and throughout the world. Many more educated than I have done this already and really, all we have to do is to simply take a good, hard look around to see it all. That brings us back to the reason today's message has come our way: The Small Group. That group of Christian believers who meet regularly together and can be that extremely important tool to help us through these times.

That's all. I don't think we need to go over and over and over all the reasons for Small Groups. The question still remains, however: Do you...I...all of us, belong to such a group? If not, then why not? It's not just a nice thing, I think it's necessary. That, I suppose, brings us to the next and last point: If I do NOT belong to a small group and don't see one around me, what keeps me from STARTING a group in my home? The answer is probably NOTHING keeps me from doing this.

Please, think about it, OK?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David