Thoughts and Prayers

Often when a tragedy occurs such as this past Tuesday’s train wreck in Philadelphia, people will say to victims and family members, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”  Many of them may be sincere in expressing their condolences but are they really being helpful just thinking about another person’s calamity? Nowadays people say, “Our thoughts go out to you” because it's politically incorrect to mention prayers. What good are thoughts going to do for someone unless prayers are attached?

It is true thoughts can have an impact on our own lives. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus even equated the thought of committing adultery to actual sin.

On the other hand, good thoughts towards others will help only if acted upon. Let’s suppose the Lord puts it on your heart to give something to someone. Would that person benefit just by you thinking about blessing him? Of course not! James 2:16 says, “…and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?”

When you come across people going through a difficult time, don’t use the cliché that you are thinking about them. At the very least, pray for them!

“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” 
- James 4:17

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