Do Good and Share
Chris' Corner - April 5, 2020
We’re all in this together." How many times have we heard that statement over the last few weeks? We couldn't begin to count them. Unfortunately, that's not the thinking of some.
There are times in our lives when the circumstances we're all facing bring out the best or worst in people. Do you think of yourself and ignore the health concerns others may have? Do you hoard toilet paper, hand sanitizer, or medical supplies? Or do you think of others first and consider their needs before your own? Do you switch gears on personal goals to help and encourage those who may be worried during these uncertain times? Christians know the answers because it's a major theme in scripture.
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).
“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:16). “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus" (Romans 15:5).
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection" (Colossians 3:12-14).
"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing" (1 Peter 3:8-9).
'Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another" (Romans 12:10).
We wrap up these passages with the words of our Lord, "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12).
We agree. We're all in this together. We all need the same things, Food, shelter, and clothing. Yes, the Lord provides (Matthew 6:25-33), but He does this through people.
The apostle said, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). There are plenty of people out there in this world that we could help. But there's an "especially" in this command. The "household of faith" is the church—our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ.
In these unusual times, let the Christian be the one giving encouragement, edification, and consolation. Let's begin with our own brothers and sisters, then reach out further from there.