In what ways can we support others who are "crying out all the more"? The Scene in Scripture “Those who led the way admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ ” (Luke 18:39). Blind Bartimaeus will not be hushed. Despite the crowd’s rebuke, his desperate plea only grows stronger. Our calling is to stand with modern-day Bartimaeuses rather than with the silencing crowd. First Things First: Guarding Our Own Hearts • Refuse to be annoyed by need. Jesus “stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him” (Luke 18:40). • Keep compassion burning: “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). • Pray for spiritual eyesight to notice who is being shushed on the margins (Mark 10:49). How We Actively Support Those Crying Out • Stop and listen. “Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). • Clear the way to Jesus. “Call him here” (Mark 10:49). Offer rides to church, share Scripture, remove practical barriers. • Speak words of courage. “Take courage! Get up; He is calling you” (Mark 10:49). A timely text, a note, or a hand on the shoulder can re-ignite hope. • Bear tangible burdens. “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Meals, childcare, medical costs, yard work—whatever eases their load. • Persist alongside them in prayer. The widow in Luke 18:1–8 prevails through relentless petition; join their intercession until breakthrough comes. • Guard their dignity. Love “believes all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Honor their story without gossip or condescension. • Point them to Scripture’s promises. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). Read it aloud, text verses, frame them on a wall. • Stay present after the miracle. Bartimaeus “followed Jesus, glorifying God” (Luke 18:43). Celebrate, disciple, and keep community strong once the crisis passes. Warnings from the Crowd’s Example • Silencing words can sound spiritual: “Be quiet, don’t make a scene.” • Distraction equals neglect: the busy rush past need (Luke 10:31-32). • Prejudice blinds: assumptions about disability, poverty, or sin can block compassion (John 9:1-3). Encouragement to Keep Going • “Let us not grow weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). • “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). • Jesus remembers every cup of cold water given in His name (Matthew 10:42). Putting It All Together Supporting someone who is “crying out all the more” means hearing the cry, refusing to hinder it, and becoming a conduit that ushers that person straight to Christ. By listening, acting, praying, and persevering, we mirror the Savior who always stops for the desperate and opens blind eyes both physically and spiritually. |
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