“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Family is often the first community we belong to, where we first experience love, trust, and support. Similarly, as believers, we are called into a spiritual family that transcends biological ties. Our spiritual family in Christ is designed to provide love, guidance, and accountability, just as in our natural families.
In Matthew 12:46, Jesus clearly stated that His disciples and all those who listen to Him are His brothers and sisters. This is how we ought to see our siblings in Christ, sharing a bond deeper than biological ones.
We have been called into a family, and God did not call us to undertake this Christian journey alone. We are part of the body of Christ. God is your Father, but also a Father to every believer out there. You are part of a family.
This is why Jesus could say in Mark 10:29 that if people lose their family because they believe in Christ, they should find a replacement among their spiritual family. That’s the kind of bond we are supposed to have with our siblings in Christ.
Even the letters in the New Testament were written to churches, meaning they assembled and shared things in common. These letters could send specific instructions to specific people because they knew they would be in church (Colossians 4:17). There is safety and accountability in the assembly.
In the assembly, we can tell when a brother or sister needs help and extend help. It is likely that in this journey, some may be overcome by temptation or struggle with habits; if they open up, it is our responsibility to help restore and strengthen them (Galatians 6:1-2). We must take this seriously. You should be able to discern when a brother or sister in Christ needs help and take responsibility to assist them.
You can’t claim to love the Father and not love the saints. Your faith in the Lord Jesus should always be accompanied by love for the saints (1 John 1:9). If you accept the fatherhood of God, then you should take responsibility for your siblings too.
You have a part to play in the body of Christ. You are part of the ecclesia—you have legislative power here on earth. What you bind on earth will be bound, and what you loose will be loosed (Matthew 18:18). So, take advantage of this; stand in the gap for your siblings in Christ and declare words on their behalf.
Friends, you are so important in this family. You are not here for yourself alone. Our fellowship is not just with God, but with the saints in Christ also, and this comes with a responsibility to look out for each other.