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Key Bible Verse: "'Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'" (Matthew 25:40).
Bonus Reading:Matthew 25:34-46

When Arab extremists freed Church of England envoy Terry Waite from five years of captivity in Lebanon, he told reporters that at one point he had a serious lung infection. The terrorists left Waite's infection untreated. His incessant coughing became a source of great irritation for some of the other hostages, not only because it was disturbing, but because it threatened to spread the infection.

Only one hostage was not put off by the coughing—Terry Anderson, the Associated Press employee held the longest of any of the hostages.

Anderson is a committed Christian who, when he was released, responded to a reporter's question about his attitude toward his abductors by replying, "I am a Christian. I am required to forgive; there is no other choice."

Waite said that Anderson was just as faithful to his convictions during his ordeal. "I was near the point of death, and though he could do nothing for me medically, Terry Anderson sat by my bedside for endless hours.

I learned then the amazing healing power of a caring presence. I believe he saved my life simply because he wouldn't leave me."

—Bryan Chapell in The Wonder of It All

Who has made a difference by "being there" for me? Whom can I do the same for?

Compassion is your pain in my heart.

—Anonymous

Adapted from: The Wonder of It All (Crossway, 1999)

For your convenience, The Wonder of It All is available in the ChristianityToday.com bookstore.

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Prayer for the Week

Father, help me to reflect Your deep compassion to the needy people I encounter.

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