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Doing GOOD to Our Brethren By Al Diestelkamp Having a relationship with Christ puts us into a spiritual family along with all others who are in Christ. It requires that we develop and maintain affection and love for those of like-precious faith--even to the point of "giving preference" to them (Rom.12:10). While we have an obligation to do good to all, we have a special duty to do good "to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10). Our differing personalities and temperaments can make this a difficult task, but that does not excuse us from accomplishing it. It is inevitable that we will come in contact with other Christians who "rub us the wrong way." The tendency, in such cases, is to avoid as much contact with them as possible, but that is not the solution. Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying about another person, "I don't like that man. I'll have to get to know him better." Many times a true friendship can evolve from dislike if we get to know one another better. "One Another" Disciples The term "one another" is often used by inspired writers of the New Testament when giving instruction as to how we should act toward our brothers and sisters in Christ. A profitable study would be to go to all the scriptures that contain these words in order to learn the many ways we can do good to our brothers and sisters in Christ. The limited space in this paper will not allow such an exhaustive study, but we want to take note of a few of the "good" things we are to do to, and for, one another.One of the most important obligations we have toward one another is to forgive (Matt. 18:21-22). Whenever there are people involved, there will be the need for forgiveness. Failure to forgive will not only be hurtful to the one who has sinned against us, but also will jeopardize our own souls (Matt. 6:14-15). In forgiving, we must do so willingly, making sure we "do not grumble against one another" (Jas. 5:9). Forgiveness without grumbling is an act of kindness prompted by a tender heart, "just as God in Christ also forgave you" (Eph. 4:32). Another way that we can do good to our brethren is by sharing in their joys and sorrows. We are told to "rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (Rom. 12:15). In order to do either we must get to know one another well enough to know when to rejoice and when to weep. This will not happen unless we are willing to spend significant time with one another. We are told to "be hospitable to one another" (1 Pet. 4:9) and to be "given to hospitality" (Rom. 12:13). I am convinced that one of the greatest needs among God's people is the restoration of reciprocal hospitality. Only then can we expect to adequately "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2). We must also do good by what we don't do. In regard to "doubtful things" (Rom. 14:1), we are told not to "judge one another" nor to "put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way" (Rom. 14:13). Instead, we must learn to "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works" (Heb. 10:24).This does not mean that we are to sit idly by while our brethren sin. Indeed, we are doing good when we, in gentleness "restore such a one" (Gal. 6:1). When gentleness fails to turn a sinner from "the error of his way" (Jas. 5:19-20), we are doing good to rebuke him sharply, that he "may be sound in the faith" (Tit. 1:13). When all else fails, we are commanded to "withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly" (2 Thess. 3:6). Even this action is doing good for the brother in error, as our determination "not to keep company with him" is so that "he may be ashamed" (2 Thess 3:14), and come to repentance It's All About Love There are no less than twelve New Testament verses commanding that we "love one another." Our Lord called it "a new commandment" (Jn. 13:34). What was "new" about this command was that He included the words, "as I have loved you." The apostle John placed that command on a par with the command to "believe on the name of Jesus Christ" (1 Jn.3:23). When we do good, including doing good to our brethren, we are expressing our love in action. Some of the good that God wants us to do to, and for, one another may not be perceived as "good" in the eyes of men--or even in the eyes of some brethren. However, it is only in the scriptures that we are "equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Doing good to your brothers and sisters in Christ should come naturally. Christians are the best people on earth! This is not because of anything we have done on our own, but what Christ has done for us. It is only reasonable that we should act accordingly. To the extent that we do, others will see the good (Christ) in us, and glorify our Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16). —from Think On These Things |