Don’t forget about her (CASM 32)

Sometimes we are consumed with our own lives or tend to live in a bubble and become out of touch with reality. We turn off the news because it’s depressing. Limit our interactions to a specific group of people or events. Of course, there’s great wisdom in being mindful of who we allow in our circle and how we engage them, but don’t forget about her. She is a woman struggling with drug, alcohol, or food addiction or had a baby out of wedlock or an abortion. This woman may be in an abusive relationship or lonely. She may be questioning her sexual orientation. She may be married, single, older, or younger. This woman may look and behave differently than you, but don’t forget about her. Love on her, pray for her, and ask the Lord how to be a blessing to her.

Reality

The reality is some women are hurting. Some due to their own choices, others because someone took it upon themselves to cause them pain. Regardless of how the hurt occurred, she needs Jesus’ love, and one way that happens is by using you. It can be scary and intimidating to come alongside someone that is not like you. There are all types of women with different situations that are in the world and sitting in the church pews that need a friend.

One of the biggest mistakes we make is trying to fix her or the situation and guess what, we can’t. We can’t take away her pain, but we can listen and be a friend. Take your prompts from the Holy Spirit on when to say or do something or when to be still and listen. Allow her to use her voice, if you dismiss what she is feeling, you will never gain her trust. She needs to feel safe and know you care and won’t trample on her feelings before she will ever open up.

Discernment

I usually can’t focus on a task or someone talking to me when I’m hungry. What I need at that moment is a snack. That’s using discernment and good judgment to gain enlightenment on a situation. Although scripture is key and changes lives, it may not be the need right out the gate. As Christians, we sometimes want to blurt out all the scriptures we know, how Jesus changed us, about our ministry, and so on in the first 30 seconds of coming alongside someone. We lose sight of interacting, engaging, learning, talking, and listening to people.

When we don’t use discernment in a situation we talk more than we listen. We miss out on understanding her needs because we think we already know what she is dealing with and how she feels. Even though your intentions are meant for good, don’t forget about her by not listening to her. Let her speak that’s the easiest thing you can do for her besides praying. Your Christianity is not in question if the first word out of your mouth isn’t Jesus, but make sure every conversation ends with Jesus.

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, It is folly and shame unto him.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In conclusion

Christ went to the cross for all and that includes those that are different or make us uncomfortable. We are a precious tool God chooses to use to aid in drawing souls to Him. Coming alongside women that are in various circumstances and encouraging them honors God, and in return, He will honor you. Jesus didn’t forget about you, so take on the responsibility not to forget about her.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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