The lonely
Hello,
Like many around the world this week, I found it heart breaking to see the pictures of the baby monkey called Punch desperately cuddling a soft toy. The young monkey has been rejected by the rest of the animals in his troop, including his own mother, so the staff at the Zoo gave him a soft toy to keep him company.
The clear sadness in the animal’s enforced isolation is a stark reminder of the need for, and importance of, friendship and family.
One of the hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry was his willingness to break social boundaries and taboos to reach out to and include those rejected by society at the time. Jesus made time for those who others avoided – bringing them healing and restoration.
As his followers, we are called to do likewise. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells his disciples that whatever we do for those considered least in society, we do for him.
Reach out a hand of friendship to those who need it most this week.
Warm regards,
Gavin
About the Writer:
Gavin Henderson is the National Ministry Leader for GCI in the UK and Ireland.