Loving Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ

While we might not have grown up under the same roof, with the same parents, reading the same nighttime stories before bed every evening, the bond between our Christian brothers and sisters is built upon the Word of God. Jesus calls us to join arms, to encourage each other, to support each other, to confront each other in love. And while we may not have any inside jokes like that time our cousin pulled the Christmas tree down on himself back in the ‘80s, we have the love, hope and peace of Christ in our hearts.

With this in mind, we encourage you to reach out and lean on your brothers and sisters in Christ with your hopes, struggles, joys, good days, bad days and everything in between. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.” - Matthew 18:20 CSB

While there are many ways we should be encouraging one another in the church, here are a few Scripture-based steps to help you get started:

1. Meet with your Christian brothers and sisters regularly.

“Not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 CSB

2. Tell them the truth.

“If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother.” Matthew 18:15 CSB

3. Be compassionate.

“So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26 CSB

4. Forgive them.

“Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:18 CSB

5. Seek good for them.

“See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15 CSB

6. Pray for them.

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” James 5:16 CSB

It is so easy to rush through life, focusing on the busy schedule in front of us and never looking up or around. But doesn’t this way of life always seem to lead to feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and exhaustion? Maybe it’s time to reach out to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Consider inviting them to your home for dinner or starting a small group at church. Let them in your world so that they will let you in theirs. And there’s no doubt, our loving Father will delight in seeing His children leaning on each other as they grow in their daily walk with Him.

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