By: Undre Griggs, Jr
Members of the church should look at each other as family, and as such, we should be willing to devote our time and resources to each other. Sometimes that is as simple as picking someone up from the airport, but other times it may require months of work helping someone overcome an addiction. The world is full of temptation and any one of us could succumb to its influence. That is why it is so important that we support and encourage each other through difficult times.
Galatians 6:1-2 (NKJV): Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
It is important we retain the understanding we help each other; not because we think we are better than anyone, but because we know we all need help. We are all sinners and we have all fallen short of the glory of God, and it is up to the church to help restore the world. We restore each other by sharing the love that the Father has shared with us.
1 Peter 4:8 (NIV): Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
This mission is not an easy task for any member of the church. Restoring someone with love still requires the honest action of telling someone they need to make a change for the better. Ideally, love will shine through and our friends and family will appreciate our willingness to help them better themselves; but that is not always the case. The good news is if we are willing to sacrifice a little comfort for the sake of someone’s soul, we will have our ultimate reward.
Galatians 6:8-9 (NKJV): For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
While the Apostle Paul started with spiritually restoring members of the church, he also wants to make sure we treat all people with the same love. While it is good to love and cherish your loved ones, it is more beneficial to love and cherish a stranger (Matthew 5:46-48). Whether knowingly or not, Christians are always representing Christ in all they do and their actions could motivate or deter someone from the church. Christ came to earth and died for all of us, so it only makes sense for the church to value each person as well.
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