BEN F. VICK, JR.
A Caring and Loving Membership
The apostle Paul in his discussion of the church as being the body of Christ, stated: “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it” (I Cor. 12:25-26). Instead of there being division at Corinth, Paul was exhorting the members to have the same care one for another. The word “care” is translated from a Greek word (merimnao), which means “to exercise care for, to exercise concern for.” It includes the idea of looking out for another and to seeking to promote the interests of another. Just as one’s eyes watch out for all members of the physical body, so are we as members of the body of Christ to watch out for each other and to promote the welfare of another. A model congregation does just this.
We can find many commands in the New Testament for us to care for the needs of other members in the congregation, as well as non-members, as the opportunities arise. Paul wrote, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). In another place we read, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (Rom. 12:10). Again, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits” (Rom. 12:16). In matters of indifference, we are commanded: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” (Rom. 15:1-3). To the brethren at Ephesus Paul wrote, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32). To the Philippians, Paul wrote, “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels of mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Phil. 2:1-4). The writer of Hebrews commanded, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” (Heb. 10:24).
In view of these divine injunctions, a model congregation puts them into practice. Each member is concerned for the welfare of others. This was true with the church in Jerusalem. Luke records, “And all that believed were together,…” (Acts 2:44). The expression “were together” in some instances in Holy Writ may have reference to “oneness of mind” or “one in purpose.” But the expression used by Luke in the original is used in other places to mean “physical location.” This is evident, too, from the fact that they knew the needs of others. Later, the inspired historian states, “Neither was there any among them that lacked” (Acts 4:38).
The only way that we can know of the needs of a brother or sister in Christ and help them so he or she will not go lacking is to get to know each other. This necessitates spending time with each other. One is not going to be too quick to tell his needs to a total stranger—even if he is a brother.
John wrote, “But whoso hath this world’s goods, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (I Jn. 3:17). But how can one see that his brother has needs if he does not see his brother? This does not necessarily imply a personal visit, though this would be good. The telephone is a very good tool in learning of the needs of others. Those who do not assemble regularly with the saints cannot be aware of the needs of their brethren as they are mentioned from time to time. I do not believe that we can get to really know a brother or sister if the only time we see them is at the services. We can certainly know of their faithfulness to the services; but sometimes beyond that, we know nothing.
The burdens which people bear are seldom revealed in public assemblies. It takes getting to know someone before we can understand, to some degree, the burdens he or she bears. If we knew each other better, we might be a little more considerate and longsuffering with each other. Paul wrote, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Yet, how can we know another’s burdens if we do not know him? And how can we know him, if we do not take the time to know him?
What prevents a congregation from becoming a model church with a caring and loving spirit? Iniquity in the world causes some to have no concern for God, his brethren, or fellow man. Jesus said, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matt. 24-12). Because of the wickedness in this world some will allow their love for God and others to wane. The words “wax cold” are interesting. They are translated from a word (psucho) in the Greek which means “to breathe (voluntarily but gently, thus differing on the one hand from another word [pneo], which denotes properly a forcible respiration”). Thus, to “wax cold” means a “reduction of temperature by evaporation, to chill.” Members of the church, like water, do not freeze instantaneously, but gradually. Wickedness in the world can influence the church.
Just as the cares and riches of this world can choke out the word of God, so can they choke out interest in our brethren. We can be so busy making a living, taking care of family, doing our hobbies, etc., that we forget about the needs of a brother or sister. When there is neglect, murmuring soon follows. Therefore, let each of us remember: “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God” (I Jn. 4:7).
“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him” (I Jn. 5:1). If we are caring and loving toward our brethren, then we will be that much closer to being a model church as Jesus would have us to be.
( To Be Continued )