The sun is still low enough that the heat of the day is still on its way. I’m padding down the street—with purpose. Time to pick up our car after its early morning oil change.
But a mere 200 feet into the walk, a neighbor lady drives up and rolls down her window. Her greeting is genuine enough, but tears are dribbling down her cheeks.
“Hello, Emma,” I stammer. Emma (not her real name) manages a forced smile. “You don’t seem like you’re doing so well,” I offer gently. “Oh, I’ll be fine,” she counters unconvincingly. And then she spills a story that brings more tears.
What exactly am I supposed to do at this point? This situation is way above my pay grade! I love Jesus, and I love my neighbors. But Emma is a woman, and I’m a guy and… “Look,” I say, “Why don’t you come over and have a talk with my wife, Diana? She’d love to see you” (except Diana would still be in her robe).
Emma gives it a thought (she’s been over before) and decides she needs to first check with her husband at home. I seize the moment to call my wife and give her the good news that a guest will be showing up—immediately.
Then I walk Emma to our front door, let her inside, and resume my walk to the car dealership. Time to pray! I pray for Emma. I pray for Diana that she will have godly wisdom. And I pray that Emma and her family would come to know Christ.
Forty-five minutes later, I’m back, and Emma is still chatting in the living room. Without eavesdropping, I can hear a few laughs from my office. Clearly, God has brought comfort of some kind.
After Emma leaves, more of the story tumbles out as I sit down with my wife. The details are not mine to share, but the unusual encounter reminded me of the most basic of human realities: Hurt is everywhere.
Hurt is in every home, every car, every heart. It’s just that pervasive. As believers, we surely don’t have all the answers. We don’t possess all wisdom. But we DO have authentic hope—unstoppable encouragement sourced in nothing less than the blood of Jesus.
I don’t know your unsaved neighbors—but you do. I don’t know their hurts—but I know they’ve got them. And you’ve got Jesus! Which means—you’ve got hope. Why not share some with a neighbor who’s hurting?
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. -1 Peter 3:15
Photo by Mayank Dhanawade on Unsplash