8 minute read
The Only Thing That Counts
Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Only Thing That Counts
Advertisement
by Chuck Cleveland
The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 5, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love,” and I concluded God wanted me to trust Him in all areas of my life and to demonstrate His love to all those with whom He gives me a relationship.
I wondered, however, what would constitute such a demonstration, and so I began to ask people, “When someone was a special friend to you, what exactly did that person do on your behalf?” Almost invariably, those people cited instances when someone came alongside them when they were confronted with a sick child, a dying parent, the loss of a job, a broken relationship, or some other calamity. When asked if that friend offered advice on how to resolve the conflict, most said no.
In other words, the most meaningful acts of friendship consisted of “being there” for them in their times of turmoil. Does it not logically follow, then, that we who claim we want to love others into the Kingdom would seek opportunities to validate our message by being there for non-believers during their struggles?
I think it does, and here is how that worked out with my former work associate Craig (not his real name). Shortly before an annual regional meeting, I sensed I was supposed to share my faith with Craig, but there was no opportunity. Several months later, however, Craig’s world came apart when his wife discovered the affair he was having and confronted him about it.
Craig admitted the extra-marital involvement but sought to minimize the damage by lying about the woman’s identity and location, saying she was an office secretary hundreds of miles away rather than a woman nearby. Unfortunately for him, Craig’s wife called the secretary and learned of his double deceit. Worse yet, almost everyone in the organization knew of Craig’s indiscretions.
Shortly thereafter, I spoke with Craig by telephone, telling him that if he needed a friend with whom to talk, I would listen. With much gratitude, he accepted the offer.
Though hundreds of miles apart, we began an exchange about why he had the affair, how his marriage could be restored, and how he could be forgiven by God. It took a lot of calls and correspondence (as well as him reading the Bible I sent), but Craig eventually became a Christian. Furthermore, primarily through guidance provided by another work associate, he was able to save his marriage.
Expressing God’s healing love to those I know has become a high priority, and here are three things I try to practice: 1. Since everyone has a story, I want to listen well. 2. Since everyone has a desire for love and acceptance, I want to provide them more frequently. 3. Since everyone needs to know of the Father’s offer of forgiveness, I want to be a more effective ambassador of reconciliation.
How about you?
About The Author Chuck Cleveland lives in Newnan, GA and has written for three area magazines, as well as the local newspaper. He has been a Christian for over 50 years.
WE ARE THANKFUL WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR CUSTOMERS! FOR OUR CUSTOMERS!
BOOK AREAS:
00718-07-15
ISSUE DATE:
BOOK BOOK AREAS: AREAS:
00718-07-15 00718-07-15
ADVERTISER NAME: EDITION NAME:
Office Use Only Creating Artist: TC NUMBER: ?EMAS DA PLEASE SIGN YOUR PROOF AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SALES REP: ❑ Ad is approved ❑ Ad is approved with changes ❑ Ad is not approved make changes indicated Editing Artist: Computer: SIGNATURE Modification Date: FILE EMAN TNIRP ETAD NAME: CATEGORY: New Advertiser 2014 v2 ISSUE DATE: This is your only ad proof. Please review this ad carefully as it will be printed as it missed by you on this proof will not release myou from any liabilities from the Magazine Publisher. Color and position of ad or page placement is not guaranteed. Ads with coupons may have coupon placement changed to fit the pagination of the book. If the Magazine Publisher has not received this proof back within two days, the ad will be printed as shown here. m Josh TC4197WR
Mint Magazine
ADVERTISER NAME: 8/17 Helping Hands Of Cleveland #339131 EDITION NAME:
00718 CHATTANOOGACLEVELAND, TN MINT
Office Use Only Creating Artist: TC NUMBER: ?EMAS DA 1100182 Y PLEASE SIGN YOUR PROOF AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SALES REP: ❑ Ad is approved ❑ Ad is approved with changes ❑ Ad is not approved make changes indicated Medical & Dental:Health Care Services Editing Artist: josh Computer: Josh’s iMac SIGNATURE Modification Date: August 17, 2015 10:21 AM EMAN TNIRP ETAD FILE NAME: 1100182_718.07.15 Helping Hands 1.2
CATEGORY: New Advertiser 2014 v2
ISSUE DATE: This is your only ad proof. Please review this ad carefully as it will be printed as it missed by you on this proof will not release myou from any liabilities from the Magazine Publisher. Color and position of ad or page placement is not guaranteed. Ads with coupons may have coupon placement changed to fit the pagination of the book. If the Magazine Publisher has not received this proof back within two days, the ad will be printed as shown here. Josh TC4197WR
Mint Magazine 8/17 Helping Hands Of Cleveland #339131
00718 CHATTANOOGACLEVELAND, TN MINTBOOK AREAS: ADVERTISER NAME:
1100182 Y Medical & Dental:Health Care Services
PLEASE SIGN YOUR PROOF AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION josh ❑ Ad is approved ❑ Ad is approved with changes ❑ Ad is not approved make changes indicated Josh’s iMac
August 17, 2015 10:21 AM
SIGNATURE 1100182_718.07.15 Helping Hands 1.2
EDITION NAME: Office Use Only Creating Artist: TC NUMBER: ?EMAS DA SALES REP: Editing Artist: Computer: Modification Date: CATEGORY: New Advertiser 2014 v2
ISSUE DATE: This is your only ad proof. Please review this ad carefully as it will be printed as it missed by you on this proof will not release you from any liabilities from the Magazine Publisher. Color and position of ad or page placement is not guaranteed. Ads with coupons may have coupon placement changed to fit the pagination of the book. If the Magazine Publisher has not received this proof back within two days, the ad will be printed as shown here. Josh TC4197WR
Mint Magazine
EDITION NAME:
00718-07-15 Office Use Only Creating Artist: TC NUMBER: ?EMAS DA
8/17 Helping Hands Of Cleveland #339131
00718 CHATTANOOGACLEVELAND, TN MINTAd is approved ❑ Ad is approved with changes ❑ Ad is not approved make changes indicated PLEASE SIGN YOUR PROOF AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SALES REP: Editing Artist: Computer: 1100182 Y SIGNATURE Modification Date: Medical & Dental:Health Care Services EMAN TNIRP ETAD josh Josh’s iMac FILE NAME:
August 17, 2015 10:21 AM
CATEGORY: New Advertiser
2014 v2 This is your only ad proof. Please review this ad carefully as it will be printed as it missed by you on this proof will not release myou from any liabilities from the Magazine Publisher. Color and position of ad or page placement is not guaranteed. Ads with coupons may have coupon placement changed to fit the pagination of the book. If the Magazine Publisher has not received this proof back within two days, the ad will be printed as shown here. Josh TC4197WR
Mint Magazine
8/17 Helping Hands Of Cleveland #339131We Appreciate Your Trust In Us. 00718 CHATTANOOGACLEVELAND, TN MINT It Is Our Priviledge To Help You 1100182 Medical & Dental:Health Care ServicesWith All Of Your Needs. Y
josh Josh’s iMac August 17, 2015 10:21 AM
1100182_718.07.15 Helping Hands 1.2
EMAN TNIRP ETAD
Your Companion In Care Your Companion In CareCandies Get out of the same old routine and discover a new adventure. Life from a new perspective Get out of the same old routine and discover a new adventure.Your Companion In Care Your Companion In Care We offer services to keep you healthy and active. Creek • In- & Out-patient Rehabilitation • Specialized Therapy Programs • State-of-the-Art Equipment Academy • Skilled & Intermediate Care
SENIOR CARE SERVICES • Personal Care Support SENIOR CARE SERVICES • Personal Care Support A Christ-Centered Classical Education SENIOR CARE SERVICES • Personal Care Support • Fair Rates and No Contracts • Fair Rates and No Contracts • Fair Rates and No Contracts• Customized Hours and Care Locally Owned & Operated • Customized Hours and Care Locally Owned & Operated • Customized Hours and Care Enrolling K4-12th Locally Owned & Operated 423-476-3312 423-476-3312 60 25th St. NW Suite 3 Cleveland, TN www.clevelandhelpinghands.com 423-476-3312 60 25th St. NW Suite 3 Cleveland, TN www.clevelandhelpinghands.com 2016-2017 2017-201860 25th St. NW Suite 3 Cleveland, TN www.clevelandhelpinghands.com Helping Hands of Cleveland 60 25th Street NW, Ste. 3 Cleveland, TN 37311 423-476-3312 294 Old Eureka Rd., Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 790-5660 candiescreekacademy.com
SENIOR CARE SERVICES • Personal Care Support • Fair Rates and No Contracts • Customized Hours and Care Locally Owned & Operated www. Helping Hands of Athens 2314 Congress Parkway South Athens, TN 37303 423-405-5913 423-476-3312 60 25th St. NW Suite 3 Cleveland, TN clevelandhelpinghands.com
Joint Commission accredited
“Our help comes from The LORD, which made Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 1.423-745-8181 | LCCA.com“Our help comes from The LORD, which made Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 “Our help comes from The LORD, which made Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 “Our help comes from The LORD, which made Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 512951234 Frye St. | Athens, TN 37303
