What Would Jesus Do?

There was a saying a few years back “What would Jesus do?” Obviously, the saying was to make us stop and think about a situation or conversation before we acted or spoke. What would Jesus do in this situation? What would Jesus say to this person?

                I didn’t “buy” into this saying. I’ve always tried to treat all people fairly—to live by the Golden Rule—“do unto others as I would have them to do unto me.” I’ve not always been successful, but I try. I’m positive that Jesus would go much further than that. He would have gone the “extra mile” and then some.

                Over the last eighteen months, I’ve had friends and family who have gone the extra mile or two—who’ve been Jesus to Dave and me.  I won’t name names, but you know who you are. Many have sent cards, emails, called. One friend calls several mornings a week as she drops her kids off at school, picks them up in the afternoon or as she runs errands. Just calling to check on me and Dave. I’m not sure she will ever realize how much I look forward to those calls and how much they mean to me. It is a ministry she has that I’m not even sure she is aware of.

                Numerous friends, family members and people we don’t know have held us up in prayer. What a blessing to know that when I cannot pray, for whatever reason, there are so many others praying for us.

                When Dave was hospitalized earlier this month, one of my dearest friends made herself available all weekend. We talked on the phone several times on Friday, she came to the hospital to visit on Saturday and brought a “goodie bag” full of healthy snacks and magazines that would appeal to Dave and to me. She took me out to lunch – just to get me out of the hospital and on Monday, when Dave was discharged and we went home,  she had dinner at our house just a couple of hours later. 

On Saturday morning, bright and early, our priest came to visit. He would have come Friday night while Dave was still in the ER but I insisted he wait. The weather was horrendous and I knew that there would be other opportunities to visit.  Before he left, he prayed a wonderful prayer of healing.

On Sunday during that hospital weekend, my children came to visit. They had stayed in touch all weekend, offering help in whatever I needed.  Later a beloved family came to visit and brought and served us communion. As they were leaving, my new boss (who just happens to be the new Senior Pastor of Redemption Fellowship where I work) and his beautiful and sweet wife came to visit after the worship service. They’d never met Dave. Yet here they were, to show their support and love.

                I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my family and Dave’s. My family is always “here for us when we need it.” And so is Dave’s family, even though  Dave’s  brother lives in Florida and his sister lives in Pennsylvania. They have sent cards and called—in fact, Dave’s brother calls almost every day.

                I’m sure by now you are wondering what is the point of this blog! Yes, I wanted to publicly thank all who have ministered to us in this last year. I’m sure I’ve missed someone, and if that someone is you, I sincerely apologize.

                But I also wrote this post because all of these people have been Jesus to me and Dave. They asked themselves “What would Jesus do?” and then they went the extra mile. Or two.   May I follow their example and instead of living by the Golden Rule, I ask “What would Jesus do?" and then go the extra mile. Or two.