For two years now, Susan and I have attended a support group in Atlanta for families dealing with multiple myeloma. In these days of good health, I confess I have been a bit reluctant to go to these monthly meetings, for here I am reminded of my disease. Some of us are in remission, while others are in the midst of treatments of one kind or another. At the end of each meeting, we sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to all who reached such milestones that month. We also hear bad news of those who have regressed or those who have passed away. Though certain things may be depressing, I know I must go.
To stay away from this support group seems a type of denial and a shirking of responsibility. I dare not forget the members of this group who encouraged us when things looked so bleak. Survivors shared their experiences and gave practical advice. Never did we feel judged or condemned. Everyone knew each family had to make tough decisions in their own journey. The group exists to support others, and I know I am to do the same. When a disease-weakened newcomer enters our meeting, I understand where he is. Perhaps I can encourage him. Perhaps I can give a word of hope. I know I can pray. I cannot simply forget.
These thoughts remind me that I have been eternally cleansed of a problem far worse than cancer. I’m not part of darkness any more. Jesus has brought me into His Kingdom of Light. But dare I forget my fellow man? It is more comfortable to hang around Christians all the time, but do I have another purpose?
This comparison suffers when I talk of a cure. There is no medical cure for my cancer. There are several possible avenues to take, and each family must decide what is best for their situation. But there is a cure for our greatest problem. It was established many years ago on a lonely hill of execution where Jesus shed His blood for the sins of the world. He is the only hope today. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one can have eternal life without Him.
When I see a sin-weakened man, I dare not condemn, for I understand where he is. Perhaps I can give a word of hope. Perhaps I can share the good news of Christ. I know I can pray. I cannot simply forget.
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time…” Ephesians 2:1
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24