Words of Grace

By Mahlon Nevel

“Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (I Thessalonians 4:18).

Words of comfort mean so much to us in a time of loss. I want to thank everyone of you for the sympathy cards and notes of encouragement.

I’m also thankful for all the prayers you prayed for me and my family. It has been what the Bible calls an “outpouring” of love and compassion.

The Apostle Paul, in his Epistle to this Philippians, thanked God in prayer for them. He was thankful for their fellowship from the very beginning. (1:3-5)

Fellowship means communication. The Philippian church was the only church that communicated with him in the matter of giving and receiving. (4:15) Time after time they helped with his necessities. (v.16)

John Fawcett was the pastor of a small, poor Baptist congregation in Yorkshire, England. When he accepted a call to a large, influential church in London, sorrowing members showed deep affection and grief. They pleaded with him not to leave them.

“Oh John, John, I cannot bear this,” the poor wife lamented.

“We shall not go,” the Good pastor declared. He then wrote the fitting words that later became a gospel hymn.
Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love; The Fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.”