“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
John 15:17/NIV
I have served as a chaplain for some time now. The ministry locations have varied widely, including hospital settings, community churches, individual homes, and local organizations. Pastoral care support may be delivered by providing meals to the elderly, homeless and hungry, and other assistance. When I serve the community’s needs, the circumstances and settings may be similar but are also uniquely different on each occasion. Every encounter is an adventure where I learn something new, and I know God is teaching me something!
Often I am called to the hospital to provide pastoral care support for patients and their family and medical staff members associated with their care. When I am called with a concerning need and a request for a chaplain visit, I never know who I am visiting or the present needs. While driving to that location, I start praying to God! I tell him that I do not know the individuals I am visiting, their needs or circumstances, and to please provide me with the knowledge and wisdom I need. I am proceeding on this calling with much faith!
As a trained and licensed chaplain with years of experience, I still understand I do not know everything. Though I have the necessary training, licensure, and experience, there is always more to learn. With each chaplain encounter, there is always something happening that God needs me to address and manage. After each support endeavor, as I drive home, I start praying to God and ask: “what did You teach me just now, and what did You want me to learn?” Though I am sent to serve and help others, I believe God also has me there to teach me in preparation for my next mission. The learning never ends!
I am very thankful that God provides me with opportunities to be a servant, and He is continually teaching me something! Daily I draw from biblical passages and teachings, which guide me to where I should go. 1 Peter 4:10 and Ephesians 2:10 both teach me that I am God’s creation with work He has planned for me to do. I should complete this work as a servant seeking to help others as a part of God’s master plan. Jesus Christ taught that He was a servant to others and took care of mankind. As Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, I seek to be like Him and care for others. Galatians 6:2 (NIV) provides me with sound guidance: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Remember what Jesus said: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” I plan to follow Jesus’ commands while seeking to take care of His lambs and sheep (humanity)! Amen
Many blessings to you!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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