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THOUGHTFULNESS TOWARDS OTHERS

SCRIPTURE READING
NUMBERS 11:4-16, 24-29
JAMES 5:13-29
MARK 9:38-50

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Thoughtfulness towards others” To be thoughtful towards others means to show consideration for the needs of other people. It also means being a good neighbour to anyone we come across. We shall reflect on the following facts:
1. Thoughtfulness towards others means not being jealous of the progress or achievement of others.
2. Thoughtfulness towards others means praying for others and preaching the Gospel for their repentance and salvation.
3. Thoughtfulness towards others means supporting others and not putting an impediment in their way.
4. Thoughtfulness towards others comes with a reward.

Firstly, thoughtfulness towards others means not being jealous of the progress or achievement of others. Moses taught Joshua to be thoughtful towards others by not being jealous of what God is doing in their lives. “However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. 27 A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” 29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” (Numbers 11:26-29) Beloved in the Lord, it must always be our joy to see the manifestation of Spiritual gifts in the lives of other believers. Again, let us not be discouraged or jealous when others are being blessed. What is your attitude towards others in your family and congregation who have been blessed spiritually and materially? Are you happy for them or do you begrudge God’s generosity in blessing others? We are greatly admonished by James when he wrote, “…If you harbour bitter envy (jealousy) and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy (jealousy) and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” (James 3:14-16)

Secondly, thoughtfulness towards others means praying for others and preaching the Gospel for their repentance and salvation. This lesson is espoused in James’ letter when he wrote “…the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective…My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:15-16,19-20). In other words, to demonstrate our thoughtfulness towards others, we must pray and wish them good health and also be interested in their salvation if they have not yet come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. A thoughtful believer prays and preaches to others to be healed spiritually and physically and be saved from eternal destruction. Because Jesus is thoughtful of humanity and their salvation, he commissioned us to “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20). It is the core business of the church and for that matter, every Christian to be thoughtful towards the world by praying and spreading the Gospel for the salvation of all who desire to be saved. Praying people and embarking on evangelism are our acts of thoughtfulness towards others.

Thirdly, thoughtfulness towards others means supporting others and not putting an impediment on their way. Jesus taught us this valuable lesson when he said to His disciples “Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward. “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. (Mark 9:41-42) In other words, to demonstrate our thoughtfulness we must be hospitable and generous to one another and not become the source of downfall and temptation on the path of other believers. Again, there could be other weaker believers who may be looking up to you as a mature believer, you must be thoughtful in your actions and inaction so that the weaker or less mature believer is not led astray. Paul’s admonishment is of relevance to our point when he wrote, “Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. (Romans 14:19-21)

Fourthly, Thoughtfulness towards others comes with a reward. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward”(Mark 9:41). God acknowledges and blesses our thoughtfulness, generosity and hospitality towards other people. Paul said “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35) Again Paul wrote, Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:7-8) God continues to bless us for our thoughtfulness towards others therefore we must never cease to be hospitable and generous to others.

In summary, we have learned that thoughtfulness towards others means not being jealous of the progress or achievement of others, thoughtfulness towards others means praying for others and preaching the Gospel for their repentance and salvation, thoughtfulness towards others means supporting others and not putting an impediment on their way, last but not least, thoughtfulness towards others comes with a reward. May the Holy Spirit empower us to be thoughtful towards others even as we obey His word and fulfil His in our lives. Amen and Shalom.