By Terry Clark
As members of a congregation, a body of the Lord’s church, we are instructed by scripture to consider one another in order to stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). This can be accomplished when we tell a brother or sister in Christ (young and old alike) how much their faith encourages us and how much they are appreciated.
The shepherds encourage all members to give consideration to others they sit near during Bible classes, worship services, and devotionals in order to know them better and be a source of encouragement. If you notice someone has been missing multiple times, send a quick message or make a call to say you miss them. It is possible they may be out of town, but the individual could be going through some health or personal issues. The individual may also be struggling spiritually. By reaching out, we will find opportunities to pray for and encourage others.
We can also encourage the unfaithful and Christians who are struggling. This is extremely important when one considers the consequences of falling away from God. James 5:19-20 tells us “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
What if these simple gestures resulted in helping a struggling Christian or helped an unfaithful brother or sister return to the Lord? What a joyous occasion when someone returns to God! The father in the parable of the lost son, despite the actions of the wandering son, rejoiced when his son was found. “It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found” (Luke 15:32).
Check on others that you see missing from our assemblies. A card, call, text, email, or message may be just the thing that they were needing and will know that they are loved.