INTRODUCTION

God designed and willed for the Christian home and the local body of believers to function as two of the closest experiences to heaven on this side of eternity. As believers, we ought to love one another (John 13:34-35 [34] A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. [35] By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
See All...) and serve one another by that love (Galatians 5:13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
See All...). Rather than backbiting and devouring each other (Galatians 5:15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
See All...), believers ought to give themselves to ministering to each other. In Paul’s epistle to the Corinthian believers, God led Paul to mention a family addicted to the ministry. At some point, this family decided to sacrifice their own gain for the sake of ministering to others. Because of this commitment, the Bible says that Stephanas refreshed the spirit of other believers.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God wants us to help our church family (Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
  See All...). Read how Onesiphorus was a friend to the apostle Paul (2 Timothy 1:16-18 [16] The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: [17] But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. [18] The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
  See All...). The Lord gives us other ideas how to help too (Matthew 25:35-36 [35] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: [36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
  See All...). He will remember your kindness (Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): Do you know of any brothers or sisters in Christ who are spiritually going through difficult times? What could you do to minister to them? Are you willing to do what you can?
• What are some sacrifices that you might have to make in order to minister to others? Which is more important in eternity: the things you sacrificed or the ministering that you have done for others?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you a heart for ministering to others.
• Ask the Lord to give you a servant’s heart.

HYMN

IS THY CRUSE OF COMFORT WASTING?

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