Posts by Beth

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

At Christmas we hear from old friends and celebrate with some new ones. We are in touch with old neighbors, people we went to school with, and those whom the Lord sent into our lives for a time, but either we or they, have moved on.

Then, we wait a year to be in touch again.

Relationships are important, especially within the Church. The Bible is pretty clear that we are to love one another and encourage one another. The Lord has made a special point of this in Galatians 6:10 (above).

There are women who complain that they have trouble establishing close Christian friendships. They do not get invited to events or anyone’s home for coffee or a meal. New to a church, they feel left out of conversations and fellowship opportunities, maybe even ministries.

These things are even harder for that “newbie” at Christmas as they watch others enjoying one another.

Relationships within the body of believers are to strengthen each other (Romans 1:11, Ephesians 3:18), to sharpen us (Proverbs 27:17), and to encourage us to persevere in the faith (1 Thessalonians 5:11).  Without them, we are left without the help of others with a like-minded faith.

In the Christian circles I am a part of, there is growing awareness of the work that needs to be done in our culture. God, and especially Christ and the Holy Spirit, have been thrown out of our public schools, removed from the world’s understanding of Christmas, and criticized when included in any recreational time.

The relationships we build with other believers should also be the base of the instigation, and the groundbreaking, of works that will inform and reform the culture around us. People are lost, babies are murdered, porn addictions are increasing, and the next generation seems to be deceived about faith, marriage, and family, repeatedly hearing that they should “follow their heart.” (See Jeremiah 17:9 for why that is a bad idea.)  They need to hear the truth about these things.

Relationships are best built by one-on–one, face-to-face contact. Inside and outside the Church we need opportunities to interact with people. It seems that since covid many are comfortable staying at home and leaving the work of relationships to others. As Galatians 6 instructs us, it is necessary to “do good to all” and more importantly to those within the household of faith. Do we have opportunity to model or teach those ideas?

Christian sister, we need to be the initiators, the relationship starters, the one to make the first call for coffee or dinner, or to invite others to join us in a study or a work to grow God’s kingdom.

That same relationship can be undermined by gossip, by what the fear of other people think, or by just plain failing to act. So many people need people. If that includes you or me, why are we waiting for someone to call us? Why not initiate what may become a great relationship that encourages great works for the Lord?

It’s Christmas – a season of joy and relationships in our culture. If they come the first time you invite them, don’t treat them like old acquaintances, waiting a year to call again – call again soon (Proverbs 17:17)!

If we are not working to change the culture inside of the faith, how will we change it outside?