When it comes to God’s people in the faith, it is good to lift them up and to tell them all the good things they are doing for the Lord. This not only will bring joy into our lives for doing this, but others will feel the same way. Speaking highly of other people and praying for them is what God truly desires of each one of His beloved. You can know this by Paul’s example in Philemon, chapter 1, which reads, “Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers.” (Philemon 1:1-4) How often do you give thanks to God for people you meet in the church and other Christians outside of it? How often do you greet them with grace and peace from God, even a blessing from the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ? Saying God bless you and can I pray for you, can really change the atmosphere. So many people need our prayers in person, while others do not. You can gauge this with each person you meet. This is what fellowship means in Christ’s church.
Paul also said the following about Philemon and other fellow soldiers in the faith. “Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient.” (Philemon 1:5-8) So again, not only is Paul blessing his fellow brothers in the faith and praying for them, but he is also speaking highly of their love and faith towards Jesus Christ. Just like Paul did, People need to hear this from us. It will really uplift their spirits when they see people noticing their love and good works towards God. Lastly, he encouraged them to combine the good things that come from Christ into their faith. This means to abound in His good works throughout our life’s journey. As Paul was encouraged to see this in others, I feel the same way. Just to see people do what is right and holy helps me also live for God in the same way. This I leave you with grace and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that Your love and peace will rest upon our souls. Help us to love like You love others. May people in the faith see You in us, that we may have a chance to converse and pray with them. I know that there are many Christians out there that desperately need someone to talk to and to receive prayer. To these people, I pray that You will put them on my path. This way I will get a chance to bless them and to make them feel welcome in the faith. Now, since I do not always know who this person may be, I pray that You will help me be a light unto every person I meet in and out of the faith. For even people out of the faith need to see You in us, for them to even want to know more. If we are conceded and into ourselves because of our religion, this will only end wrongly. I’ve learned this over time when pride has taken over my life. Thankfully, You have come and humbled me. Each day I need You to help me be even more humble and to always remember to give You the glory. I may be doing great things by Your hand, but You deserve all the recognition and the glory. I deserve nothing, for You have done it all through me. I am only Your servant. Thank You, Lord. Thank You for abiding with me, even though I don’t always deserve it. You are so patient with me. I trust in You, God. I love You. Amen.
I think that this statement is a great example of how to treat people. It’s a shame that when Christians give their statement of faith with love to non Christians (such as Mormons) they fail to understand that the statement of faith is given with love for them.