Some preachers, elders, and members of the Lord's church are particularly known for "visiting" the brethren. Others are criticized because they do not visit. Some of these accolades and criticisms are justified. But sometimes, brethren have the wrong view of visiting, or at least a limited view.

The importance of visiting those who are sick and troubled is not the issue. It is imperative that all Christians take this responsibility seriously. Jesus made that clear in Matthew 25:41-46 where He equated failure to visit our brethren with failure to visit the Lord. He said, "Then he will say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food; I was thirsty and you gave me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take me in, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to you?' Then He will answer the, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

"Pure religion" is defined, in part, as "visiting" the widows and orphans (fatherless) in their afflictions (James 1:27). But, just what does it mean to "visit" a brother? A few years ago, Brother Tom Hamilton, an excellent student of the Greek language and a preacher in Muncie, IN, wrote an article on the Greek word episkoptomai, which is translated "visit" in our English Bibles. Following is a portion of that article.

The word episkoptomai means far more than Webster's definition: "to go see someone socially; to stay temporarily." As the word is used throughout the Old and New Testaments, it conveys the idea of a physical going, but a going (visit) attended by some particular purpose or action.

Sometimes it referred to the visitation of God that meant punishment; at other times, God's visit meant salvation. But the point is that there was always some service rendered by the actual visit.

Social calls and idle chat do not fulfill the meaning of episkoptomai. Notice further that this word is closely related to episkopos, the word for bishop or overseer. Certainly, we understand that the elder does not derive this designation from social calls or mere physical visits, but from those purposeful administrations of service that are demanded by episkoptomai.

In other words, to biblically "visit the sick" is not to drop in on a patient at the hospital and say "Hi," but it is to nurse the person back to health or to support them financially while they are unable to work and earn a living.

Remember, in the first century, there were no hospitals, health insurance programs, sick days, etc., such as we have. Folks were extremely dependent upon one another for help during sickness and other emergencies. Our own society has lessened the chances for us to do biblical "visiting" in this sense. There are few physical needs that are left uncared for by the government, hospitals, insurance companies, personal prosperity, etc. However, there are still some opportunities. To give a current, simple example, many of us have greeted one another at services or dropped by to see folks at their homes. This is known as a "social call" or "social visit." On the other hand, when Sarah (Tom's daughter-RB) was born, Lucy Hurst came to the house to watch the children for us. We didn't get to socialize with her very much, but this is known as a "biblical visit." She is the true picture of a Christian who visits in the biblical sense.

Brother Hamilton's point is good. He is not trying to discourage Christians from spending time with one another. There are great advantages to doing so. We need to get to know one another well, and I can't think of better people with whom to spend our time than faithful Christians. But the biblical idea of "visiting" should not be limited to social fellowship.

We do not always have to change a bandage, or provide food, or give money to a saint in need to have "visited" them. If we encourage the faint-hearted, console the troubled or mourning, or provide some other service for the spirit or soul, we have "visited." Biblical visiting can take the form of supplying any physical, emotional, or spiritual need. It is true that sometimes a person who is lonely just needs company, someone with whom to talk. But, as Christian "visitors," we need to look for opportunities to visit with other helps and aids. We need to give some thought to the things about which we talk, and what we say, when we visit.

The key is knowing those whom we visit. If we know they are discouraged, our conversation should be designed to encourage. If their faith is weak, we should go with words to strengthen. Tell them of days when you were weak and how you grew stronger. Read them a passage from Scripture. Many of our older saints would dearly love to hear God's word read to them. Yet, we often talk about relatively meaningless matters when we go to visit.

Physically, we need to be prepared to mow grass, clean windows, prepare meals, and do other necessary things, as they are needed, for older widows and widowers and the sick of all ages.

Spiritually, preachers, elders, and members need to make those "difficult visits" to instruct, exhort, admonish, and rebuke the weak. Elders, in particular, have a responsibility in this regard, since they have the maturity and spiritual qualifications to do this sort of work.

We get some of the terminology for the work of elders from the same root word from which we get the term "visit." Elders are bishops (overseers), and that function involves the work of teaching, encouraging, and correcting. They oversee or look after the affairs of others. Thus, they are also "visitors."

That doesn't mean elders and preachers are the only ones who can or should do this type of visiting. But it certainly is a big part of their work. Interestingly, while elders are primarily commissioned to do the spiritual visitation, deacons are men sanctioned to carry out physical visitation on behalf of the church. These forms of visitation are special expressions of love that knit a congregation ever closer together and show the world our "badge of discipleship."

What plans do you have this week for visiting your brethren or others who could use your help? Get out your church directory and go down the list of members, one at a time, and make notes about their needs. You'll find there is lots of "visiting" to be done. And as you make your list, you'll also create an outline for your personal prayers on behalf of your brethren.

Brother Blackaby has given all of us as God's children some serious food for thought. So many brethren want to limit the job of "visiting" to the preachers and elders. Now that you know what visiting really is, what do you plan to do during the coming week? (KMG)