From the year 2010 to 2011, there was an increase of 47 percent in the number of people who sought help from the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS).  Compared to five years ago, the number of people who used this service has increased by more than 240 percent.  The SOS encourages people who are in a crisis situation to call their hotline immediately.

I’m not surprised at the increase considering the level of pressure people face.  The pressure to excel academically and the demand of the educational system, a heightened competition in the business world and the looming economic downturn are some factors that can raise the barometer.  The Bible urges us in Hebrews 13:1-3:

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.  Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.  Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

The church exists not just to run activities but that God’s people may live victorious lives in a real world.  Hence, God’s church must be able to give strength to comfort, sustain, guide andenergise the children God in this life.  Every Christian has a two-fold responsibility.

First, every Christian must be responsible for his own spiritual life.  Your ability to handle a crisis depends critically on your spiritual life.  It is thus very important that you read your Bible daily, pray in every situation, and be faithful in attending Sunday Worship.

Second, every Christian is a Christian counsellor.  You must be ready to minister to people who are in need.  You are equipped to do that because when you received Jesus as your Saviour, the third person of the Triune God, the Holy Spirit, lives in you to provide you wisdom and love.  But you are most equipped when you are well versed with God’s Word, the Bible “for the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb 4:12).

To be able to bring wisdom and comfort to others, however, you must be willing to spend time with people.  Hence, I urge you to make yourself available to others.  Also, be compassionate.  As the author of Hebrews exhorts us, “remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison.”  Be among people.  Thus, after worship service, make it a point to talk to somebody.  Open yourself up to others so that people can minister to you.  It is also when you open yourself up that others will be encouraged to open themselves up to you.  This is Christian fellowship.  When Christians gather together to talk and spend time with one another, all will be blessed because Jesus promises us that “where two or three gather in My Name, there am I with them” (Matt 18:20).   Do not miss Sunday School, whether it is children, teens or adult because this is where you learn and share with God’s Word as your guide.

I also strongly encourage you to “date” one another out: sisters with sisters and brothers with brothers.  Fellowship over meals.  You can of course talk over the phone.  Encourage one another with kind words.  In this way, you will be an SOS to your brother or sister.