CHRISTIANS NEED ONE ANOTHER - They Were 'Strengthening Aids'

They Were 'Strengthening Aids'

Loving brothers and sisters, such as Aquila, Priscilla, and Epaphroditus, are greatly appreciated in any congregation.  Some of our fellow worshipers may be much like the first-century Christian Aristarchus.  He and others were 'a strengthening  aid," perhaps a source of solace or assistance in basic, practical matters.  (Colossians 4:10, 11) By assisting Paul, Aristarchus proved to be a real friend in times of need.  He was the kind of person mentioned at Proverbs 17:17:  "A true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress."  Should not all of us endeavor  to be 'strengthening  aids' to fellow Christians?  Especially should we extend a helping hand to those suffering adversity.

Christian elders in particular must be strengthening aids to their spiritual brothers and sisters.  Christ told the apostle Peter: "Strengthen your brothers."  (Luke 22:32) Peter was able to do that because he manifested strong, rock like qualities, especially after Jesus' resurrection.   Elders, by all means strive to do that same thing willingly and tenderly for you fellow believers need you. -Acts 20:28-30; 1 Peter 5:2, 3.

Paul's traveling companion Timothy was an elder who was deeply concerned  about other Christians.  Though he had certain health problems, Timothy displayed wholehearted faith and 'slaved with Paul in furtherance of the good news.'  The apostle could therefore tell the Philippians:  "I have no one else of a disposition like his who will genuinely care for the things pertaining to you."   (Philippians 2:20, 22; 1 Timothy 5:23; 2 Timothy 1:5) We can be a blessing to fellow worshipers of Jehovah by manifesting a spirit like that of Timothy.  True, we must contend with our own human frailties and various trails, but we too can and should display strong faith and loving concern for our spiritual brothers and sisters.  We should always  remember that they need us.

Next time:  CHRISTIANS NEED ONE ANOTHER - Women Who Cared About Others

the Watchtower, 2002