Unlike friends, we do not choose our families. Sometimes, those can be the most challenging relationships. Often, that has more to do with being so much alike, rather than being different. Our family members know us best, which includes the experiential knowledge of our best attributes as well as the buttons to push that will drive us over the edge. They also seem to have the most tolerance, forgiving us repeatedly. While we might not have chosen those family members, God chose them for us, and His omniscience makes that particularly difficult to question.
As Christians, we have been given the additional gift of another family chosen by God, the body of Christ. Though challenges exist in every relationship, there should be one attribute in fellow Christians that draws us together, love. When God gives us the ability to love with Him, by Him and through Him, it makes any potential hurdle easier to jump. Most Christians have met a fellow believer and felt an instantaneous tug of the heart because of the similarity of following Jesus. There’s something special when visiting Jerusalem and experiencing a group singing “Amazing Grace” in an African dialect, with joy in their eyes and the peace that passes understanding glowing upon their faces. Though we may never see those faces again on earth, we will see them again in eternity!
With our Father leading the family by example and teaching His children how to treat others, it still can be incredibly special when God inspires our Christian brothers and sisters to fill in the gaps. We all have gaps in our lives, and they can be as simple as a ride to the airport or as difficult as prolonged care. Yet it is always faith-building to feel that love and support from people you have had limited or no previous contact with. Often, we are just as surprised with the unexpected friend who fills in the gap as we are with the expected one who fails to show up. It is equally special when God uses us in the lives of others. With His calling, it never feels like an imposition, as it is always a perfect fit. Though we are responsible for the way that we choose to run the race, there certainly is a part of each of us running that race collectively.
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. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
Galatians 6:1-4
Whoever God calls us to support, regardless of the sin in their lives, we should remember that all of us are sinners saved by His grace. Even when ministering to an unsaved person, most of us do not have to look back very far to see a similar level of sin in our own lives. That remembrance and sadness from the separation from God we once had should remind us of His forgiveness and love. With that in the forefront of our minds, it makes it so much easier to love others. When pride gets in the way, in this case a feeling of spiritual superiority, God will knock us down a few notches before restoring us. Peter’s denial of Jesus after bragging of his undying love is a powerful reminder, as is the restoration by Jesus soon after His resurrection. God’s desire is to help us grow, and in the process, to have us help in the growth of others.
“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ “
Acts 20:35
What a special Christmas season this is! We should all be filled with the joy of the Greatest Gift, who came to die in our places, that we may live in His! Never forget that we serve a God who loves to bless His children. Whatever your needs, He will supply them. If you feel that is not occurring, it might be that you are confusing your needs with your wants. If you find yourself blessed with overabundance, look to fill in the gaps in the lives of your Christian brothers and sisters. The greatest blessing is the gift of time, for when we walk beside another, we get to know his pleasure and his pain. Can you believe the gift that the Father gave to us? To have His Son die a brutal death and walk beside us, as far as we will allow Him?
Lord, thank you for the gift of families! Teach us to lift the hands and lives of those who walk beside us. Grant us the patience and the peace to endure the difficulties. Lord, help us to stand firmly on Your promises!
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
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