Kerstin is involved in informal pastoral care in her local church and is excited about getting a South Wales Biblical Counselling interest group off the ground. She is completing the Biblical Counselling UK certificate course.
My friend has challenged me to move beyond compassion at what is, undoubtedly, profound suffering and to see her as a sister first and foremost. From difference being the main paradigm to sameness. Someone who is like me! Since she is in Christ, the fundamental realities of our lives now and for eternity are the same.
Love demands my presence. It starts by moving towards the older person in my congregation with the expectation of mutual encouragement and friendship, not just care-giving. It requires time, planning and making sure I have a stock of lateral flow tests. With all the demands of the week, I need to be willing to slow down and really see this person as Christ sees them.