Brothers and Sisters

Read: Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Timothy 5:1-2; Romans 16:1-2; James 2:15-17; Philemon 1:1-7; Romans 14:21.

The moment you receive Christ into your life, you become a part of the family of God. This means that those guys sitting next to you in church are your brothers in Christ and the those ladies are your sisters. Just like in a natural family there is a proper way to treat your brothers and sisters.

Your brothers and sisters should be treated with respect and with all purity. We should encourage them, treat them purely, help them out in time of need, and love them.

Encourage them - "...but encourage one another..." Hebrews 10:25 It can be rough out there. Work, school, family life, all of it can drag us down. We need to make sure we encourage one another. Encouragement is often the difference between someone who quits and someone who pushes through to victory. Encourage each other!

Purity - "...treat younger women with all purity as you would your sister..." 1 Timothy 5:2 "It's better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble." Romans 14:21 When you are checking that member of the opposite sex out remember they are your brother or sister and don't treat them any differently until you are married. Would you talk about, look at and think about your sibling that way? If you are knock it off. Treat them with purity. Also, ladies and few men, be careful with how you dress. Everyone be careful how you talk to one another. If you dress and talk in a way to get people to like you or look at you, you are causing them to stumble. It's time to be pure in how we treat each other.

Help them - "Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing... So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless." James 2:15, 17
"...help her in whatever she needs..." Romans 16:2 If you know someone can't afford something and they need it and you have the ability, provide it. Give out of your abundance. Help others get to events, get clothes, food and such. Help each other financially, in prayer and support. We are a family!

Love them - "Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother..." Philemon 1:7 Love each other. Give your life to one another. Don't be rude and short with each other, but be patient. Love each other it will bring joy and comfort to those who need it. In fact if we love one another others will know that we are Christ followers. Even if you don't like them you still need to love them. Let love be your guide in your conduct.

We are brothers and sisters and some of you out there don't like your natural brothers and sisters. That trend is now changing in your life. Love, give, serve, encourage, and pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ. You need it and they need it.

Prayer: Help me to relate to my brothers and sisters and treat them with respect.