Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith

"Help All Around"

"Brother Frank" is how he is known at our church.  He's well into his 90s, and has been through more in his life than several of us put together have experienced.  His attitude is always a "10" on a scale of positivity and joy.  No wonder he's so beloved among our church family.

We were horrified when he fell at Bible study recently.  He had suffered falls before, and each time had bounced back.  But as one grows older, "bouncing back" is more of a challenge.

If Brother Frank had to fall, he couldn't have chosen a better place.  Our congregation is blessed with several medical professionals, in addition to the caring individuals you'd expect to find in a church.  Frank was immediately surrounded with help, and today he is on his way to recovery.

Help comes in different forms, and church is usually an excellent place to find it.  I've seen people assisted in times of grief following the death of loved ones; others who needed help following the loss of a job; some who have experienced family trauma (divorce) have found help all around in their church family.

The church I serve is not exceptional; we're just trying to live the life Christ teaches us to live.  What a blessing that life can be!

A succinct statement of Christ's teaching on this point was given by Paul in Galatians 6:10: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."  "Household" is virtually the same idea as "family".  In the Lord's mind, that's what church should be; not just an organization or an institution, but a family who love and care for one another.

To get a really good idea of the life Christ teaches us to live, read Romans 12:9-21.  Some excerpts from that passage: "Let love be without hypocrisy ... Be kindly affectionate to one another ... distributing to the needs of the saints ... Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep ... Have regard for good things in the sight of all men".  Those are phrases that describe a healthy family.

Jesus was once told that His mother and brothers were outside calling for Him.  He then posed the question: "Who is My mother and who are My brothers? ... For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:48,50).  To follow Christ is to be part of His family.

And when you're part of Christ's family, there's help all around!

Timothy D. Hall.