James Byran Smith tells this story in his wonderful book, Embracing the Love of God.
At first, the call was a bit mysterious. Though the voice sounded familiar, it had been a long time since James had heard it.
It was Marge, a neighbor from years earlier. Marge still lived in the home behind the house where James grew up, but his family had long since moved.
Marge asked about his mother, “I was trying to reach your mother. Where does she live now?”
James gave her his mother’s telephone number. Them Marge explained why she was asking. Her older don had recently died of complications related to the AIDS virus. “I just need to talk to your mom,” Marge said. “She’s always so accepting. No matter what happens, I know I can always call her and she will stand by me. I love your mom so much.”
How we all need someone in our lives like James’s mother. And we all need to be that kind of neighbor in the live of others.
James’s mother was a neighbor others could call on.. She had a listening ear and a compassionate heart. Even when separated by distance aand time, a neighbor in need remembered her gentle manner.
In 2 Corinthians 1:4, the apostle Paul writes, “[God] comforts us in all our trouble, so tjat we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
Have you cultivated the kind of attitude that allows others to feel they can confide in you in their times of need? Do you emanate a spirit of acceptance or of criticism? Comfort others as God has comforted you, the give Him all the glory.
“The second [greatest commandment] is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” Mark 12:31
By Vonette Bright
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