JUNE 11, 2012
A Circle Of Friends
Read: Ephesians 2:1-13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought
near by the blood of Christ. —Ephesians 2:13
Many high school students with autism or Down syndrome feel
excluded and ignored. They often eat alone in a crowded cafeteria
because other students don’t know how to relate to them or simply
don’t care. To address this need, speech therapist Barbara Palilis
began “Circle of Friends”—a program that pairs students with
disabilities with nondisabled peers for lunch dates and social activities.
Through this outreach, special-needs students and those nondisabled
peers who befriend them continue to be enriched and changed through
the gift of acceptance, friendship, and understanding.
Being included is at the heart of the gospel of Christ. “God, who is rich
in mercy, . . . even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive
together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Eph. 2:4-5).
Through faith in Christ, we “who once were far off have been brought
near by the blood of Christ” (v.13).
Our privileged place as members of the “household of God” (v.19) should
give us eyes to see and hearts to care for those around us who are
ignored and alone. If each of us would reach out in caring friendship to
one person today, what a difference it would make for us all.
I needed help. Someone came alongside,
Sent by our Savior to care and to guide.
I now help you. We know that He is there,
Loving us both, and extending His care. —Verway
Reach out in friendship and encourage the lonely; energize the weary.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2012
