A Christian is one who belongs to Christ. He was purchased by the blood of Jesus. After recognizing what sin is and after desiring to be no longer dominated by sin, the believer is buried with Christ into baptism to have his sins forgiven.
All become Christians in the same way. All have fellowship then with God and with each other, and we continue to enjoy this fellowship as long as we “walk in the light, as He is in the light.” (1 John 1:7).
But we sometimes forget the value of having brethren. Following are some of the ways Christian brethren can be of help to each other.
1. By serving one another. Jesus said in Matt. 23:11 “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Brethren ought to look for ways of serving each other.
Paul said to the Corinthians, “I will very gladly spend and be spent for you.”
Dorcas was one who realized the joys of Christian service. Luke says of her, “this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” (Acts 9:36).
We need to help one another and serve one another as Christ served others.
2. By strengthening one another spiritually.
a. Through prayer. James says we ought to pray one for another. (James 5:16). “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
b. Through teaching. Paul said to teach one another in songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. This we do during the assembly. We may teach each other also by pointing out scriptures. We teach frequently by the example we set.
3. By exhorting one another. To exhort is :”to entreat, to encourage, to beseech.” The purpose for exhorting one another is to keep us from sin. “But exhort one another daily while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb. 3:13).
4. By being a burden bearer. “Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2). “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Rom. 15:1).
Brethren are valuable. We all need to seek ways to serve one another, strengthen each other spiritually, exhort one another, and bear one another’s burdens. [This article originally appeared in The Coraopolos Contender, July 22, 1973.]
*Send comments or questions concerning this article to Gary Summers. Please refer to this article as: “WHY DO WE HAVE BRETHREN? (10/26/97).”