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Key Bible Verse: The LORD has appointed me to bring good news to the poor. … to comfort the brokenhearted … (Isaiah 61:1). Bonus Reading:Luke 7:20-23

I hadn't seen N— for days. I checked at the job site. "He got mugged," a coworker informed me. Later, when he was back on the job, I greeted an N— whose posture was slumped and face lifeless. I invited him to our apartment for breakfast. "N—," I said, "Tell me the whole story."

Two men attacked him from behind, he told me, kicked him nearly unconscious, and robbed him; by-standers left him lying there till he regained his senses, staggered to his car, found extra keys, and drove home. "Tell me again," I said. He did. I had him repeat it—this time with tears. After a fourth telling, I said, "N—, the best thing I can do for a friend in trouble is to pray for him. I'd like to do that for you." He nodded. Laying my hands on his head, I prayed for his healing, courage, and deliverance from bad memories and bitterness. Most of all, I asked God to put the light back into his eyes.

Later, N— invited Gail and me to his home for dinner. Some 50 relatives shared with us a delicious feast that reflected their ethnic identity. Afterwards, N— introduced us: "Meet Gordon and Gail," he said; "they saved my life."

—Gordon MacDonald in When Men Think Private Thoughts

My Response: One overlooked "down" person I could cheer up is:

Thought to Apply: The biggest disease today is not leprosy or cancer. It's the feeling of being uncared for, unwanted—of being deserted and alone.

—Mother Teresa

Adapted from When Men Think Private Thoughts (Nelson, 1996) by permission.

Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Merciful God, make me compassionate so that I will begin to mirror Your character.

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