DAILY READING
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REFLECTION
Especially to Those Who Belong
by Judy Webb
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:10)
Does anything seem off in this verse? I have struggled each time I read through this line, dismissing it as not true, thinking I didn’t really understand. Are we to play favorites? Are we to treat one another different from everyone else? This idea seemed wrong to me at first glance because I thought that we needed to give deference to people who didn’t know Jesus yet. I thought they deserved our best so that they would listen to us. But I can see now how misconstrued this line of thinking is.
As Believers in Jesus, we are FAMILY. The bond is strong, and it should be. Just like in the airplane, we have to put our own oxygen mask on first before helping others to do the same. This may be a poor analogy, but I think you get the drift. We have to take care of each other if we are going to be successful caring for anyone else.
In the day and times we are living, this seems more important than ever. Each Christian needs support and love and direction from other Christians. We need to realize that we are not alone and that together we can thrive, we can face Satan and all his minions. We need to feel this community if we are to reach others if we are to strengthen the next generation. We need this sense of belonging and community just to get through each day as our world spins more and more out of control.
Just this reason alone points out how important Small Groups are to a Believer. When we can build relationships within this setting, we can discuss our troubles, we can hash over all the astonishing things that are transpiring in our world on a daily basis. Together we can be stronger, and prepared to show everyone who asks, the reason for our Hope.
Note: To learn more about small groups and how you can join one, or even start one, contact Dan Kidd, Director of Small Groups at UALC.
Father, teach me how to love as you loved. You embraced your followers and supported and taught them the ways you wanted them to go. Do the same for us, Lord, so that we can also share your love and your will with everyone. As we read this familiar passage about "carrying each others burdens," show us just how to do this so that the world will see our love.
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