The importance of being there for each other can never be overstated. Making sure we check in on one another, (be it a phone call, a card, a short visit, a text message, etc.) is every Christian’s responsibility.
We live in such a demanding, fast moving and ever-changing world. We have to be careful not to become so self-centered and focused on ourselves that we fail to be there for others or more importantly for a brother or sister in need.
Being there for one another can be a challenge at times. Many times, if we can avoid it, we will, especially if it means sacrificing or it will be an inconvenience to our daily plans. Or we will try to pass it on to someone else within the body.
But the word of God instructs us, “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and NOT JUST PLEASE OURSELVES. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.” (Romans 15: 1-2)
When we became “new creatures in Christ,” 2 Cor. 5: 17) the “old selfish man” is supposed to die. But for some, it has been a “slow death.” For some, it has taken quite a long time to let go of their old ways as well as leave their comfort zones.
When it comes to being available or just checking up on a brother or sister, it is easy to come up with reasons and excuses such as, “I’ve never been a people person,” “I’m an introvert,” “that’s not my gift,” “that’s not my responsibility,” “I have a lot on my plate,” “nobody reaches out to me so why should I,” etc.
We need to stop with the reasons and excuses and start with the efforts. Every Christian shares in the responsibility to love, care and have concern for one another. “Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another…”(1Thess. 5: 11)
No Christian should ever feel they are excluded, alone or isolated within the body of Christ. It is every Christian’s (not just the preachers, the elders, the deacons, or a certain few members) duty and responsibility to make sure everyone is loved, welcomed and accepted. Today, we have so many different, simple and easy ways to reach out and stay in contact with each other.
Being in Christ and being there for each other is what makes us different and sets us apart from the world. “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind WITH ONE ANOTHER according to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 15: 5)
When everyone in the Christian community commits to being there for each other, whether it be in good times or rough times, the outside world gets to witness the light of God, the love of our Lord and the life influences of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus commanded us “to love one another, just as He loved us. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15: 12-13)
Make sure you are there for all your brothers and sisters for all the right reasons! Make sure there is no bias or partiality in your heart!
Make sure you are not getting weary in doing good!
Make every effort to reach out and get in contact with at least someone within the body on a daily bases! A simple “hello, I just wanted to hear how you are doing and to make sure all is well on your end,” will lift a downtrodden spirit, encourage a broken heart and help heal a hurting soul!
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus..” (Phil 2: 1-7)
In Him,
Bro. Craigwell
