Sometimes Jesus looks like Roger Purdum—He has a broad smile and extended arms, drawing me into a much-needed hug. Other times He has looked like Debi Decker—cheerful and encouraging in the face of unsettling news. For a while Jesus resembled Bill and Peggy Williams (unrelated to us biologically but our brother and sister in Christ)—speaking spiritual truth that cuts through the fog of misunderstanding. And daily I see Him in Dick Williams—always present, always listening, always faithful, always supporting always loving.
Each person showed me different aspects of Jesus’ personality. How? It is Him working through them to share the gospel with me, to reassure me, to minister peace to me, to mourn with me, to rejoice with me, to challenge me, and stretch me. Jesus shows me His sacrificial love in a multitude of ways through a plethora of people.
Jesus loves us so very much that He will use His believers and every circumstance to get our attention, to share His message of salvation through Him, and to meet our spiritual needs. He has many followers who are His hands and feet and voice.
Our ministry to each other as Christians not only upholds and encourages each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, it also shows the world we belong to Jesus. and draws others to Him. (John 13:35) I remember hearing a young girl testify that she became a Christian because of the love and support and encouragement she saw a Bible study group show her mother during a rough divorce. Her comment was, “You all really love each other! That’s not how the world works! What makes you guys different?”
How we meet and greet and treat one another as believers in Christ can create a hunger in others to know why—and that will lead to Jesus. All that we say and do in His name reflects back to Him. (Matthew 5:16)
What can I do today to minister to a brother or sister in Christ and help carry their burden? (Galatians 6:2) We don’t know who may be watching or listening. Just maybe, someone else will say, “You all really love each other! That’s not how the world works! What makes you different?”
And we can answer, “The difference is our relationship with Jesus.”
Be encouraged!