Each of these articles in past weeks have emphasized our responsibility to help each other. At this point we recognize the importance of expressing love for our neighbor, and the emphasis that the Lord places on our good treatment of other brethren. The imperative of love is what divides the righteous from the unrighteous. The Lord emphasized this truth, distinguishing between two groups as He talked of future judgment. His statement, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world” (Matthew 25:34), was directed at those who were benevolent and loving to others. A peculiar part of our culture is the pride (or perhaps other motivations) that cause some to refuse the help or friendship of others. This should never be the case with a Christian. Why would we ever put an obstacle in the way of another’s potential reward in Judgment?
Hopefully we will be quick to offer friendship, care, benevolence and hospitality to those we love. We should be quick to ask, “What can I do?” And to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Consider the very next verse of that context, where Paul admonishes the Romans, “Be of the same mind toward one another…” (16). If we are ready to help our brothers, but unwilling to ask for or receive the same from them, how can we be described as being of the same mind? Part of being gracious is our willing reception of the help offered by our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should not let pride, or a desire “not to be burden” to impede their efforts to do what God expects of all of us.
Consider the following verses from the perspective of the one receiving friendship and help from another. We use them to prove how important it is for us to DO, but when it is done to us, we have a part to play as well!
Philippians 2:3-4: “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.”
Hebrews 13:16: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Proverbs 19:17: “He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given.”
This was a constant theme of Jesus’ life and teaching. He came to minister to man, both physically and spiritually. To be His disciple, we must emulate Him. It is interesting that not only was Jesus giving, He was taking. He and His band were itinerant. When one proclaimed a willingness to follow Him “wherever You go.” Jesus responded, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). Jesus was supported by followers wherever he went. Interestingly, He expected it! His graciousness in receiving the support doesn’t change the fact that He admonished His followers to offer such help. “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:14-17).
We need self-reflection. Is it hard for us to accept help from our brethren? Part of maturity is the realization that it is better to give than to receive. But someone has to be on the receiving end too. It is reciprocal, after all!
Our series of lessons have established the responsibility the Lord has given us to extend our friendship and love to others. We are to strengthen each other. Actively show our love for one another. Pray for, esteem, and advise each other as brothers and sisters. We are to be hospitable and benevolent. And we know that in the end, we will give account for how we have treated each other and the world at large.
Looking at it from the other side, each of us need love, we need prayers, we need support, advice and the benevolence and hospitality that our brethren supply. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and we must not let our pride cause us to deny our needs. The great apostle Paul was an example for us in this. He requested help. “Get Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (cf. 2 Timothy 4:9-16). He also graciously accepted the help that his brethren offered to him. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you… for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5).
God has supplied our brethren to befriend us! Accept the benefits that friendship provides!
