Visitation

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This is an old-fashioned word for visiting. Mary had a visitation from an angel (Lk 1:26-28). In the Bible the day of visitation denotes the coming of the Lord, with the divine inspection of each person’s life and the allocation of their due reward or punishment (Mt 16:27; 1 Pet 2:12; 4:5; Rev 22:12).

A vital yet often neglected ministry is visiting in a pastoral capacity. This is especially important for those who once were active in the life of the church but now, because of failing health and declining mobility, are incapacitated and feel neglected by being out of sight, and consequently out of mind. Jesus said to the degree that we reach out (or fail to respond) to needy people in society we are, in fact, serving (or failing to serve) Him (Mt 25:40,45).

Do I have a friendly, sociable nature and make time to connect as appropriate with those who are frail and less able to get out? The Bible says, do to others as you would like them to do to you, caring for one another by being focused on their needs and concerns (Lk 6:31; 1 Cor 12:25; Eph 4:29; Phil 2:4).