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*walks in with her notes *
I have an encouragement I should like to give to everyone. Get rid of privacy fence Christianity.
Okay, so that was random. Let me explain. I have been thinking a lot about the relationships between brothers and sister in Christ, and found that the Bible gives us some specific responsibilities to one another.
1st: There should be a deep and obvious love between brothers and sisters in Christ. This is not in any way romantic, nor does this mean you tell one another your deepest dreams and desires (something I am convicted should be told to your spouse and family alone). It simply means that you should love your brothers and sisters, even when they are hard to love. When we are unlovely, or we have personality flaws, the world should still be able to see that there is a love that binds us as the body of Christ.
2nd: Brothers and Sisters in Christ should serve one another. When we see a need, we meet it. (John 13:14, Galatians 5:13, Mark 10:45)
3rd: Brothers and sisters in Christ should encourage one another as they follow Jesus Christ. We should be the cheerleaders on the sidelines who remind each other of the goal, the prize. We should be the ones who help make the journey lighter, sharing each other’s burdens. (Romans 14:19, 1 Corinthians 8:1, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Ephesians 4:29, Hebrews 10:24)
4th: Brothers and sisters in Christ point out sin lovingly to one another, when needed. Now, this should be done in the correct spirit, otherwise it is sin. When we approach a brother or sister in Christ it should be with the intent to build them up, not tear them down. We should come in the spirit of gentleness, with a heart to restore. (Galatians 6:1, Mathew 7:3)
5th: Brothers and sisters in Christ should pray for one another. We should intercede on their behalf. We should love them enough to be willing to bring their needs to the Lord, above our own needs. (James 5:16)
6th: Brothers and sisters in Christ should be hospitable to one another. This doesn’t only mean you open your home up to them, by the way. There are many other forms of hospitality, besides eating with people in each other’s homes. (1 Peter 4:9)
Who are you a Barnabas to?
These things have been on my heart recently, and I just wanted to bring them before ya’ll as an encouragement. May the Lord bless you all as you continue in your Christian walk.
_________________ Airianna Valenshia
The Rainbow in the Storm- My Blog Be careful of your thoughts; guard your mind, for your thoughts become words. Be guarded when you speak, for your words turn into action. Watch what you do, for your actions will become habits. Be wary of your habits, for they become your character. Pray over your character; strive to mold it to the image of Christ, because your character will shape your destiny. Ideas can germinate from the smallest seeds. Collect those seeds, and let them grow in the back of your mind. You may be surprised by what finally blooms.
When God takes something from your grasp, he's not punishing you. Instead, He’s opening your hands to receive something better. The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.
Works in progress:
The Diegosian Mark, 115,600 words (Preparing for Publication) The Diegosian Rider, 121,400 words (Finished) The Diegosian Warrior, 15,000 (In Progress)
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