All in the Family

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you. —1 Thessalonians 1:4

In 1 Thessalonians, we find the word “brother” multiple times. This word, which can be translated brothers and sisters, shows that the apostle Paul viewed these believers as family. Some were Jews, and some were Gentiles.

Some were well educated, and some had no education at all. They were from different socio-economic backgrounds. But in Christ, they were part of the same family. Paul was a mature believer; these were brand-new believers.

But Paul talked to them as if they were peers and brothers. When we minister to other believers, we need to remember we have a blood bond with them. They may be different from us. They may be some of those odd aunts and uncles. They may be relatives that drive you a little crazy. But they’re family.

We have a responsibility and a privilege to minister to them, to care for them, and to serve them. They’re not just names out there or people on a list . . . they are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

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“Portrait of an Effective Servant” (Revive Our Hearts series)

Scripture taken from The CSB