Sadly my friend is in hospital after a fall with a suspected broken hip. I was so sorry when this happened to her and was pleased when I was able to visit. I trust that my company was a slight help to her but then I fell to thinking about why I visited. Was it because I wanted people to know I’d been and then say ‘Well done, Carol!’
Jesus warned about showing our good works before men. In Matthew 6:1 He says, Be careful, do not do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them.’ I enjoy hospital visitation and belong the the hospital chaplaincy team. Because I enjoy it does it mean it is of no value? Surely what matters is whether it helps the patient.
In the end my conscience was assuaged . No-one knew I had visited her. X-rays have shown that she has not broken her hip but she is still in a lot of pain. I shall continue to pray for her in private.