Becoming The Brother Everyone NeedsSample

A Brother Who Encourages

The work of the Church plays out in relationship, so there is no room for autonomy in the Body of Christ.

Let’s be honest. Following Jesus can be tough. The darkness of the world resists the light that followers of Jesus Christ shine into it by the power of the Holy Spirit. Although some people are receptive to the Gospel and God has the power to draw and redeem anyone, regardless of their past or predisposition to the Gospel, the world itself, the organized system of beings and beliefs that sets itself up against God, doesn’t know us, understand us, care about us, or listen to us.

Without the companionship and support of your brothers and sisters in Christ, you could easily become discouraged as you pursue God’s call on your life. The same goes for your spiritual siblings. You need each other for encouragement and support. Besides, you can’t cooperate with or develop genuine affection for those with whom you spend no time.

Don’t buy into the idea that you can be a Christian with or without the church. While the Holy Spirit resides in your heart and your not participating in the Body won’t unsave you, it will hinder your effectiveness, cause unrest in your Spirit as a result of your disobedience to God’s command to build up and serve your brothers and sisters, leave you vulnerable to the attacks of the Enemy, and rob you of the joy that comes from seeing the power of the Gospel come full circle in the lives of others as a result of your investment in them.

• Do you view the Church as something that exists to serve you or something that you exist to serve?
• Do your actions prove it?

Read 1 John 3:1, 13, 1 John 4:6, and Hebrews 10:23-25.