Our Relationship With Other Believers

Scripture Reading/Gospel Lesson – Romans 12:10-13

Our Scripture this morning gives us some practical insight into our dealings with other Christians. This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives us the main theme of our behavior toward other Christians.

First, displaying Brotherly Love

Brotherly Love is the key indicator by which the church proves to the world that it is genuine and belongs to Christ. John 13:35 says, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

This type of love is not just a mandatory rule, rather it is an inescapable part of being a Christian. “Whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him” (1 John 5:1). The most basic demonstration of brotherly love is when we love and care for a fellow Christian more than we care for ourselves.

This takes time to develop, but eventually to the spiritually mature Christian it will be a natural response. This is not just a sentimental affection toward another person. This is a deep down concern for their overall physical, mental, and especially spiritual well being.

A Christian loves fellow Christians.

Second, a Christian should give honor to one another.

Humility is a crucial aspect of brotherly love. This is not a fake praise of someone. It simply means to show genuine thankfulness and respect for other members of God’s family.

Empty compliments only show a person’s selfishness and lack of integrity. God wants us to be considerate of our fellow Christian brothers and sisters. We should be quick to acknowledge their accomplishments with genuine honor.

Christians honor God by honoring each other.

Third, Christians do not lag behind in diligence

We need to make the most of whatever time the Lord has given us on earth. Many opportunities for Christian service only come our way once, and we must take advantage of them.

There is no room for laziness in God’s kingdom. Not only does it waste our time and opportunities to serve the Lord, but it also allows evil the chance to encroach in your life.

Think about it, kids usually get into trouble when they have nothing to do right? Anybody here ever serve in the military? I’ll bet your commanding officer always gave you a bunch of stupid, pointless things to do, right? He did this so you didn’t get into trouble.

There is a common expression today of Carpe diem, meaning seize the day. That is the way Jesus lived His life and that too is the way we should live our lives for Christ. Seize the opportunity to serve Christ each and every day.

Christians are not lazy, especially when it comes to doing the work God has given us to do.

Fourth, Christians are fervent in spirit

This simply means we need to maintain our commitment to the Lord’s work. We should be diligent in our efforts for God. We need to do the right things and do the things we do right. That is efficiency and effectiveness.

Christians do what God wants them to do and they do it with passion.

Fifth, Christians serving the Lord

Serving the Lord calls us to examine our priorities. This should be the focus of our lives. The things we do must be consistent with Scripture. Not only that, but they should bring honor to God.

We are to serve God with a sense of priority and integrity. We don’t have to rely on our own strength, rather we can draw on the power of God to do what He wants us to do.

Christians serve the Lord throughout their lives.

Sixth, Christians rejoice in hope

The Christian life will by no means be easy. We will still experience temptations from worldly desires and we will be persecuted and ridiculed for our beliefs. Without hope we would never be able to triumph over them.

The scriptural concept of hope is one in which we can have full confidence. Hope is not based on wishful thinking rather it is an integral part of our salvation. It is certain. God gives us hope each day, the hope of knowing that He is there caring for us and watching over us.

Christians rejoice in the hope that God provides for them.

Seventh, Christian persevere during times of tribulation

The hope we have in God allows us to persevere through whatever situation we may be in.

Eighth, Christians are devoted to prayer

One of the main reasons God allows “bad” things to happen to us is to build our trust in Him rather than relying on ourselves. Our reliance upon Him is built through prayer. Prayer needs to be a part of our daily life. Thanking God for what He has done, what He is currently doing, and what He will do.

Ninth, Christians contribute to the needs of other believers

As we look around and think about our lives we believe we own stuff. We own cars, houses, and other things. They are ours. In reality, God owns it all and He lets us use it. We are to be good stewards of the things He has given to us.

One of the most important ways that we can be a good steward of the things God has given to us is to use them for His glory and honor. We do this by giving to those follow Christians in need.

Lastly, Christian practice hospitality

Paul finishes his list of our duties to fellow believers by saying that we have a responsibility of practicing hospitality toward others, especially Christians. We are to pursue the love of others.

We are to care for them, not just during emergency situations or times of obvious need, rather we are to simply look for things we can do anytime.

Hospitality is a Biblical standard. Our homes and lives should be open to help those in need. All believers should be known by their love and hospitality.

When we are hospitable to others we may never fully realize the ramifications of our kindness. We don’t do this just to feel good about ourselves, we do it because it is the right thing to do and God wants us to do it. We do it for Him.

Jesus tells us that when we are hospitable and ministering to others we are doing the same to Him. Likewise, if we turn our backs on others, then we are turning our backs to Him as well.

If you get a change later on this afternoon or this week, read back through our scripture this morning and think and pray about ways in which you can improve your life as a Christian.

Closing Prayer
Lord, we thank you for our time in your Word this morning. Help us to be better Christians so that others may truly see Christ in us. AMEN