Scriptural Reference:
Hebrews 13:1-3

1 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

Contemplation:
Where are we when we meet someone who is distressed? Someone who has come to us and has so many problems they seem to overwhelm even us just thinking about them. And than to stand there and listen to them; how often are we quickly thinking of ways to move on. Or just as bad, some quick and smart sounding verse from the Bible that will some how magically solve all problems.

As I have worked with a group called Kairos, I have learned the first principle of compassion. That is the concept of four important words.

Listen Listen Love Love

These words are not judgmental. They do not require the person to explain themselves or make reasonable excuses for what is going on. They do not mean that we must some how solve all the problems that are told to us. Nor do they mean that a solution is even readily available on short notice.

What they do convey are the very core aspects of the love of Christ. We are meant to firstly Listen. Not superficially or casually. But to actively take in what is being conveyed to us. Than we are called to Love. This love is not an acceptance of any wrongs done by or to the individual. But an open Agape Love that our Lord has called us to show others in his name.

The title of this message is in fact Fellowship. For some there might be a question as to what if anything, I am saying has to do with Fellowship. Simply put, the person with a heart full of pain and burdens may well be a Fellow Christian. Or perhaps someone whop is close to accepting the Lord yet has not taken the step. Regardless of where that person is, we are still called to enter a Christ like Fellowship and convey to them the gift of love that Christ has conveyed to us.

Through this form of open Fellowship we may find more Souls Saved for Christ. Than any number of wordy sermons and preaching. We could well find that our sharing of the Holy Spirit in Fellowship will be a defining aspect that awakens in some the desire for hope and renewal only found in Christ.

So next time someone starts to unload their share of problems and troubles, don't start looking for the door to escape. Take time to earnestly Listen Listen Love Love. And follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As it shows you that not our Experience, but the love of Jesus is the true way of bridging the gap between us and those who seek God's Grace through our words.

Prayer:
Lord, Jesus,
Let it be...
Your eyes they see, not mine,
Your words they hear, not mine,
Your love the feel, not my indifference.

As I take time to...
Listen to their sad tragic story,
Listen to the yearnings of their heart,
Love them unconditionally,
Love them in your light and grace.

This will not be...
Easy for me to understand,
Easy for me to share openly,
Easy for me to convey to them.

But with your Holy Spirit,
All things are made possible,
Hearts can be nurtured for you,
Souls can be saved in your name.

Amen