CHRISTIANS NEED ONE ANOTHER - When Adversity Strikes

When Adversity Strikes

Whatever our circumstances, love prompts us to help fellow Christians in need.  (John 13:34, 35; James 2:14-17)  It was love for his brothers and sisters in Judea that moved  Paul to organize the collections for them among congregations in Achaia, Galatia, Macedonia, and the district of Asia.  The persecution, civil unrest, and famine experienced by the disciples in Jerusalem may have resulted in what Paul called "sufferings," "tribulations," and "the plunderings of [their] belongings."  (Hebrews  10:32-34; Acts 11:27-12:1)  He therefore supervised a fund for poor Christians in Judea. -1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4, 13-15;  9:1, 2, 7.

Voluntary donations for the holy ones in Judea proved that a bond of brotherhood existed between Jewish and Gentile worshipers of Jehovah.  Delivery of the contributions also enable Gentile Christians to show their Judean fellow worshipers gratitude for their spiritual riches receive from them.  Hence, there was a sharing that was both material and spiritual in nature.  (Romans 15:26, 27) Contributions for needy fellow believers today are also voluntary and are motivated by love.  (Mark 12:28-31)  We need one another in this regard too so that there is an equalizing 'and the one with little does not have too little.' -2 Corinthians 8:15.

Aware that Christians need one another, we are quick to come to the aid of our  brothers and sisters in the faith.  For instance consider what happened when devastating earthquakes and landslides struck El Salvador early in 2001.  Said one report:  "Relief efforts were undertaken by brothers from Guatemala, the United States and Canada came to give us a  hand. . . .Over 500 houses and 3 attractive Kingdom Halls were erected  in short order.  A great witness has been given by the hard work and cooperation of these self-sacrificing brothers."

A report from South Africa said: "The terrible  floods that ravaged large parts of Mozambique also affected many of our Christians brothers.  The branch in Mozambique arranged to care for most of their needs.  But they requested that we send good used clothing  to needy brothers.  We gathered enough clothes to send  a 40-foot container full of clothes to our brothers in Mozambique."  yes, in these ways too, we need one another.

As noted earlier, all parts of the human body are important.  The same thing certainly is true of the Christian congregation.  All its members need one another.  They also need to keep on serving unitedly.  The next article will consider some factors that make this possible.

Next time: KEEP ON SERVING SHOULDER TO SHOULDER

The Watchtower, 2002