Satan has designed an effective plan (Eph. 2:1-2) to detour, silence, or shut us down, making saints unaware or too busy to help and support one another. Our journey can be shrouded by day-to-day responsibilities and difficulties. This can affect our awareness of needs in our local assembly or circle of influence. Ask yourself: ‘Are you consistently observant to the acute and chronic challenges of Body members or caught up in distractions?’

Babes surely need regular mentoring as they navigate the Word, rightly divide, and live their new identity in Christ. Other saints fall through the cracks as they experience severe circumstances, though earnestly trying to apply what they know. All of us could use a regular advocate or godly friend, built up in sound doctrine for ongoing support, but also to assist when struggles arise. Over time, when needs are left unmet, it can result in frustration and questioning God, not believing the doctrine really works, pushing even seasoned believers away from the Church and their faith.

Each of us have the privilege to step up and meet this significant need. Oh, it is not a short-term thing, but an enduring love commitment. Sometimes being there for one another takes a lot of time: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up…” (I Cor. 13:4). This similar to the love attitude we have in our personal families. When our kids have difficulties, making parenting hard, do we kick them to the curb if they seem to take a long time to learn? Of course not! Do we abandon adolescents when they go through the ups and downs of moving into adulthood? Or, when our adult children reject our counsel, have little time for us, or have issues with how we say things, do we set them aside? No, but why is that? We are in the relationship for the long haul. It is unconditional love, which suffers long.

Think on This:

Our interdependence, commitment, and attitude in the Body of Christ is a family bond. We are connected by the Holy Spirit: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” (Rom. 13:10)

Can we decide to become more observant to reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ, knowing many suffer quietly or are unaware of their needs? “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13) Put aside the flesh and the excuses to yield unto God to serve in love. Plan to reach out to even one saint… start today

By Deborah and Brian Johnson