Pause

Life should not be lived alone. God has called us to help others, whether they are friends, neighbors, family, or strangers, through tough times. We are to carry one another’s burdens in this life together.

In these next moments, think about those around you, those with whom you live. How could you help them as they struggle?

Listen

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Think

Many people love the “Like” function on Facebook. It lets you view someone’s picture, video, or statement and register your opinion with a small but happy thumbs-up symbol.

The creator of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, has been asked why there is no “Dislike” button. He always says something like, “Of course there are things we don’t like on Facebook, but why not keep negativity to yourself…besides, people care more about what you like than what you dislike.”

In the digital world, anything you post is permanent. I’m glad that only what a person “Likes” is permanent on Facebook and there is no way to “Dislike” something or someone forever in digital archives. It’s worth remembering that even if we too-quickly dislike or discourage something or someone, there is still time to change our minds.

Patricia Lyons

Pray

Loving God, help me to be aware of the needs of others. Give me the courage and creativity to encourage and serve others. Amen.

Go

Life together means we care for those who are hurting. We embrace those who are going through tough times. We remind others, “You are not alone. I will never leave you.” We also remind others of the promise of God to never leave them or forsake them, even in the midst of a storm.

Go today with the confidence you have in God’s presence and be the presence of God in someone’s life today.