Thursday, July 12, 2012

Ways to Build a Lasting Friendship Part II


For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.” 3 John 1:7-8
We continue our study of the book of III John and Ways to Build a Lasting Friendship.
III.   Support Each Other.
A friend will support another who is involved in a Christian ministry effort.  Support can come in many different ways.  It can be moral support, emotional support, financial support, or prayerful support.  All of these are important to finding peace in our lives.  Basically there are three reasons why it is vitally important that we support each other.

1.    Our Testimony to Unbelievers

Those early Christians who had gone out in doing missionary work refused to accept any help from those who were not believers.  One reason for this is because it’s not their responsibility.  Others who believe in a ministry derive a blessing in their financial of physical sharing.  Unbelievers may see a positive social value and contribute to make themselves feel good about giving but a believer is spiritually impacted when their prayer is answered by God’s gift.  When God’s people are supporting God’s family it is a powerful testimony to those who are unbelievers.

2.    Our Obligation to God

John told us in verse 8 that “…we ought to support such men…”  It is our obligation to do so.  Luke 17:10, “In the same way, when you obey me you should say, 'We are not worthy of praise. We are servants who have simply done our duty.' " (NLT)  Some will give to be seen by men; others give quietly and sacrificially our of responsibility to their duty to one another.

3.    Our Participation in the Truth

When you support those who are actively preaching and teaching the truth to others you become a part of that ministry and are actually participating in spreading, furthering and promoting the truth.  There are many who can no longer go who find great joy and fulfillment in sharing in the ministries of their friends.  When a report comes back about a success from a mission effort, those who have given rejoice knowing they had a part in the work. 
2 Corinthians 8:3-4, “For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints,”
Who do you need to start building a lasting relationship with today?  Here are some action steps you can take to start:
1.    Invite someone to attend a church service with you.
2.    Start going to a small group and make a friend.
3.    Find a ministry in the church where you can start serving others and God.
4.    Pray for a missionary and send them a pen pal letter on a regular basis.
5.    Seek out someone you would like to befriend and then love, minister and support them.

Scripture to Claim:
So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Galatians 6:10

Devotional Archive