Family of Believers

During covid year in 2020,  when everything was kinda on a lock down which we all remember. It was a hard year for most people. I was having a hard time that year. We had family issues and it was weighing down on me and eventually I was becoming very discouraged.  I remember I went to Walmart and I was looking at lotions on this one aisle and I remember thinking God give me strength, (you know how sometimes when you worry so much it wears your soul out? That was me at that moment) then out of nowhere this older lady who I never met before came up to me and put her hand on my back and said “I’m sorry to bother but I felt like I should pray for you and can I pray for you?” I said yes and she did. Keep in mind this is during covid and you’re supposed to keep your distance and not touch anyone etc. That did not stop her. God called her to help me in that moment and she answered. She even gave me a hug after praying and went her way. It was at that moment that I knew God is there and telling me I’m not alone in this. He’s telling me it’s going to be ok. He gave me the strength I needed. I’m so thankful for this lady and she was a great example of a sister of Christ.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 NIV

So what is family of believers? It’s the people that we associate that are believers of Christ . Right? We are a family of believers. Keep in mind this applies to anyone that is a believer, not just your church family. We should be supporting one another or reaching out to one another including the people outside of your close friends. There are people in this church that could use a friend, encouragement, support or a prayer.  

We have a responsibility as a follower of Christ. One thing is to be a blessing to our family of believers. I know in this culture or time that we live in, seems like everyone is always busy especially with their own family. We need to find that time no matter how busy we are, to serve others and be there when a sister or brother of Christ is hurting or struggling. Maybe visit a widow,  take someone out for lunch or even surprise them with a small gift to let them know you’re thinking of them or even send a text. It doesn’t have to cost anything to encourage one another.

So what are some things we can do to be a blessing to a fellow brother or sister of Christ?

1. LOVE Them 

This should be the first thing on our list. We should love unconditionally and without judging. 

“One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:35–39 NIV 

your neighbor meaning is everyone thats around you or cross path with you. 

“Love must be sincere…” Romans 12:9 NIV

A friend loves at all time.. Proverbs 17:17

2. LISTEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT-

This is so important and is often overlook or brushed off. You don’t want to miss an opportunity . 

Another thing as a believer is this, we need to listen to the Holy Spirit inside of us. The sad thing is we seems to managed to be busy so often that we don’t pay attention to the God who is trying to speak to us. Take the time to pray and read God’s words and listen to him. Grow spiritually . Find the time so the opportunity isn’t missed.  

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 NIV

3. ENCORAGEMENT –  We need be a cheerleader and lift them up. Maybe send them a text and tell them you’re thinking of them.                                                                                                         “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:24–25 NIV

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 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

4. GOOD LISTENER-  Be a good listener. Maybe that’s all they need is someone to hear them out. Sometimes it helps to get something off your chest. We all know how that feels.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19 NIV

5. BE A FRIEND- We all could use another friend or two. Who knows maybe that person doesn’t really have anyone. Something to take into consideration. 

Proverbs 18:24 one who has unreliable friends soon come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

Proverbs 27:9 Perfume and incense bring Joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is better than self counsel. 

6. PRAY FOR AND WITH THEM-    Sometimes prayer may be all that they need. Just like what this lady did for me during the covid year. 

Galatians 6:2  Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

7. CHEERFUL GIVER/GENEROSITY-  God loves a cheerful giver. Being a cheerful giver isn’t just about money. It’s about being thankful to give our time and service. It’s about being happy to do those things. 

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV

8. BE HOSPITALITY-

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 NIV

This doesn’t just apply at home but to those that come to church. Here’s some example. 

maybe put your arm around them and say good morning

If they are sitting by themselves , ask them to sit with you.

Remember I’ve mentioned earlier love should be the first thing on your list.  Jesus brought up love so many times, such as love one another, love your enemies , love your neighbor, love yourself etc…. He brought that up so many times. Jesus is love! He is a loving Savior! He showed it all of his life when he was walking this earth. Here’s something to think about without the LOVE we would all be on the wide road.(“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Matthew 7:13 NIV. Let me explain before one of you disagree.

Who’s love am I talking about? God’s love and Christ’s love. Without both of those we would’ve been doomed. There is two Bible verse that has the greatest example of love. 

1-For God so LOVED THE WORLD (he loves you and me) that he gave us his only son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have ever lasting life. John 3:16

God himself sent his only son to died for us. That’s a very powerful love right there. To be willing to give up your only son! Could you do that? I know I probably couldn’t.  This next one is another great example. 

2-GREATER LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Jesus consider us a friend. He loves us enough to be willing to be beating, torture , curse at and to be cruified on the cross so that we would have eternal life in heaven. He himself is asking us to love one another as he love us.

 “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”   John 13:34–35 NIV

It’s important to Jesus. That’s why he want us to be there for our fellow brother and sister of Christ as he was there for us. We are his disciples. He just said that in this verse. We owe him that ,don’t you think? 

Would you be willing to do those things for your brother/sister of Christ as he did for you? I know we need to be an example to the unbeliever as well and we still do! Don’t get me wrong on that. 

I’m just reminding each one of you including myself to not overlook those you are surrounded by as well in church or around any other believers that you cross path with.  There will be someone in our church that is in need or someone that is struggling quietly. Just because we all go church together or they go church doesn’t mean they couldn’t  use someone. That’s why it’s important for all of us to open our eyes and heart to be on the lookout for one another. Also to listen to that gut feeling which is the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Don’t miss an opportunity to be a blessing to them. 

I know some of us prefer just come straight to church, listen to the sermon and go straight back home or maybe you’re too busy and have a lot on your mind and just head home without a bother in the world.  Did you know that all it takes is under 5 minute to make someone’s day and lift their spirit? That person may not even get any encouragement from home.  I want to challenge each one of you to take 5 minutes each day and find someone to make their day or even send them a text. 

Lets make Christ-centered friendships with our fellow brother/sister of Christ among us a priority as Christ did for us! 

Praying for you! If you need someone to talk to or pray for you,  you can contact me!