Today, we will examine part 1 of how we should treat our brothers and sisters in Christ. Growing up, I was blessed by having a Christian family. Within that family were 5 of us: my Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, and me. Things ran smoothly when Mom or Dad was home, but when they were gone, it was war! As they say, my brother and I fought like cats and dogs. Most of the time, these fights were not physical because he was four years older than me and a lot bigger. It mainly consisted of words and pulling pranks on one another. If he went outside while our parents were gone, it was a sure thing that he would be locked outside until they came home. The church is a family also. In Matthew 12:50, Jesus proclaims that those who do the will of the Father are family. In Hebrews 10:19, the blood of Jesus binds us together as a family. So how are we to treat one another in this family connected by the strongest bond possible, Jesus Christ?
Matthew 12:50 “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
Hebrews 10:19 “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus.”
In I Thessalonians 5, Paul gives us a picture of how this family should operate. Paul is giving instructions for the family to function the way God intended. He starts in verse 12 with those who are the leaders. Those that labor among them would have been elders, bishops or pastors, and deacons. These were established in each church Paul started, as mentioned in Philippians 1:1: “To all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” In Acts 20:17, Paul includes the “elders of the church” as leaders. They were responsible for warning, entreating, and exhorting the members. The members are to know these men and show respect to them. They were to know them by being personally acquainted with them. They were to esteem them highly because of their work for the Lord. God appointed these men, who were accountable to God for the congregation. Just as pastors are today, those who are saved must seek to get to know them, to confide in them, and seek counsel in times of spiritual trouble.
I Thessalonians 5:12-13 “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”
Next, Paul tells the members how to help keep the body of Christ healthy. They are to encourage one another, to go to those causing trouble and confront them with their sin. It should be done privately, with Christian love, as you would with your family. This is a command that the majority of Christians never keep. They think it is the pastor’s job and not their concern. They are also to comfort those who are disheartened and support those who are weak in their faith. Romans 15:1 reaffirms this command, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Another responsibility of the body is not to seek vengeance when they have been wronged. Vengeance is God’s business, as written in Romans 12:19: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
We are to live peacefully with all men as much as possible, especially those of the faith. How the church responds to one another is a testimony to unbelievers. How can you expect your neighbors to want to come and be part of the church if those brothers and sisters in Christ can’t get along? The church family should be the most loving, supportive family on earth. We have a perfect Father, a Holy Spirit that dwells within us to help us be like Jesus, and we are to be a positive testimony of that family that encompasses the Trinity. If we cannot get along with one another, how can we expect others to believe that we have an all-powerful, loving God dwelling within us?
I Thessalonians 5:14-15 “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
Tomorrow, we will examine the commands God gives us to be positive helpers to one another. Doing church God’s way makes for a peaceful, joyful, productive Christian life.
