May we all be open to the generous gift of one another

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” 

This is such a spectacular miracle and such an encouraging story about Jesus’ power to forgive that we might miss one small but important detail.   Jesus forgave this man and healed his paralysis because he saw the faith of his friends.   It wasn’t the paralyzed man’s faith that moved him; it was his friends’ faith.   These four men stood with their friend and were convinced that if they could just get him to Jesus, he could be healed.   Even if it meant tearing up the roof, they loved their friend enough—and they believed in Jesus enough—to do it.

What a moving illustration of true brotherhood!   While the paralyzed man doubtless had faith himself, it was his four friends who actually got him to Jesus.   Who knows?   Maybe the man was too hesitant or afraid on his own.   Maybe their faith in Jesus bolstered his faith as well.   If it weren’t for them, he would never have been able to walk.   He would never have known Jesus’ forgiveness.

Jesus never intended the Christian life to be a solitary journey.   On the contrary, we are stronger when we are surrounded and supported by brothers and sisters in the faith.   Whereas the world tells us to be independent and self-reliant, Jesus tells us to lean on each other—and to let others lean on us.   That’s probably why he sent his disciples to preach two by two.   He knew they needed to balance each other out, with one helping the other in moments of weakness or tiredness.   He knew they needed each other so that they would not fall to temptations of pride or give up in the face of opposition or hardship.

What about you?   Do you have brothers and sisters to help bring you to Jesus?   Never doubt that God wants to give you companions along the way.   Alternatively, are there people who rely on you for encouragement in their own spiritual walk?   Never doubt that you can be such a companion to someone else.   Your faith can make all the difference in another person’s life.

May we all be open to the generous gift of one another.

word among us