To those who are called

Sometime in 2022, I attended the ordination of deacons in our diocese. The Reverend who spoke to them that day delivered a message of how they were to minister to their respective congregations. His title was Towel Ministry, on hearing about this title, one would immediately think about Jesus and the washing of the disciple’s feet, right?  wrong, Towel Ministry is an acronym for how we have been chosen to minister to others as children of God.

T- Tears

We are to wipe away each other’s tears. Meaning we should be there for each other, not only in happy times but also in times of sorrow. Ecclesiastes 7:2 tells us that it is better to be in a house of mourning than go to a place of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. Verses 3 to 4 continue to say, “sorrow is better than laughter because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning. But the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.” Therefore as Christ’s followers, we should be ready and willing to wipe away each other’s tears when hardship falls upon us.

O- Opportunity

Each day gives us an opportunity for us to spread the good news. Matthew 28:19-20 encourages us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them to obey what God has commanded. Romans 10:14-15 also speaks about taking up the opportunity to share the word with those who do not know. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?

W- Wholesome

Wholesome ministry for wholesome growth. We have to view things from God’s perspective and not our own. According to Ephesians 4:29, we are not to entertain unwholesome talk but only speak what is helpful to build others up according to their needs.

E- Embrace

Let us embrace each other regardless of where we are from. Jesus’s ministry was all about embracing different people and bringing them to the love of God. He demonstrated in words and actions how we should embrace each other. He made friends with tax collectors, centurions, prostitutes, and fishermen. As his children, we also accept others and demonstrate God’s love to them.

L-Love Everyone

1 John 4:19 says we love because he loved us first. The most famous verse John 3:16, for God so loved the world, shows us a loving God who gives up his son for our sake. Therefore we should also extend the same love to others.

We can only do this with Christ in mind. We should be able to take up the task and extend God’s love to all. So this week’s challenge is to practice the Towel Ministry to those around us.