Biblical References: “Jesus heals a paralyzed man” (Mark 2:3-5)

Theme: COMPASSION

By Reverend James Thomas
Living Word Community Church
Los Angeles, CA

SCRIPTURES:
• 3 “And they come unto Him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they broke it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick palsy, Son thy sins be forgiven thee.”

THEMES:
1. Each individual can make a difference: The paralyzed man’s need moved his friends to action, and they brought Him to Jesus. When you recognize someone’s need, do you act? Many people have physical and spiritual needs you can meet, either by yourself or with others who are concerned. Human need moved these four men; let it also move you to compassionate action.

2. Persistence: The four friends were persistent in getting the paralyzed man into see Jesus. Their perseverance, determination and faith moved them to overcome any barriers and look for ways to accomplish their objective.

HIV/AIDS References:
• Having a support network of friends and others is critical for those living with HIV and AIDS. A study reported in the March 2000 issue of Health Psychology, conducted by the Medical College of Wisconsin, found that HIV patients without support from friends and others were more depressed and less likely to adhere to complex medication regimens. Meanwhile, HIV/AIDS patients who did have such support were more motivated to take their treatments on a regular basis. People should not have to face AIDS
alone. The encouragement and compassion of others can have a profound effect on one’s well-being and desire to fight the virus.

• Prayer for healing and understanding for those with HIV can have a profound effect. A study published in the October 1999 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine found that intercessory prayer (prayer by another person) had a beneficial effect for heart patients at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO, even if the patients themselves were unaware they were being prayed for. The 466 secretly prayed – for patients did 11 percent better that 524 other heart patients. The message of such a study is clear and harmless: praying for those with HIV might help.