This is part 3 of my 5-part series on the privileges that come with membership in the family of God. The membership benefit I want to talk about today is that we, as believers, have the support of other Christians.
While God promised He would always be with us, He did not intend for His people to go through life alone. Therefore, one of the privileges of membership in God’s family is that we have a countless number of spiritual brothers and sisters to walk with us. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 say, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
It is a blessing to have concerned Christian friends when things happen unexpectedly. Recently, one of my Sunday school class members fell ill during class. The other members rallied around her, supported her, prayed for her, and made sure she got the medical attention she needed. The class members followed up later to check on her, prayed with her some more, and made themselves available to assist in any way they could. Thank God, the class member is doing better. This is an example of the value of having Christian brothers and sisters who can walk alongside us and help us in our time of need.
The kind of love and support that was demonstrated by my Sunday school class is exactly what God commands us to do when someone needs assistance. Here are a few ways the Bible tells us we can minister to one another:
- Encourage one another. First Thessalonians 5:11 states, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” A kind, supportive word at the right moment can help someone get through a tough time.
- Pray for one another. First Thessalonians 5:25 says, “Brothers and sisters, pray for us.” We should not be too ashamed or too prideful to ask other believers to pray for us when we need it.
- Love one another. Hebrews 13:1 tells us, “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.” When we love someone, we should be willing to do whatever we can to assist them.
Don’t underestimate the blessing of your fellow believers! Lean on them; call on them; let them pray for you. You don’t have to handle life all by yourself. Draw on your Christian brothers and sisters and allow them to help you with the burdens and trials you face. That’s why God put them in your life!
When have you received help, support, or encouragement from another believer? Tell me about it in the comments.
To see the other benefits I have discussed in this series, see the following links:
- Unlimited Access to the Master: https://joeyaperry.com/unlimited-access-to-the-master/
- The Ultimate Helper: https://joeyaperry.com/the-ultimate-helper/
- God Wants to Talk to You: https://joeyaperry.com/god-wants-to-talk-to-you/
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