Why is it important to care for believers we haven't personally met? Caring Beyond Familiar Faces How Paul Sets the Standard – Colossians 2:1 “For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me face to face.” • Paul’s “struggle” (Greek: agōn) is real, intense, and ongoing—even though he has never shaken these believers’ hands. • His example shows that physical absence never cancels spiritual responsibility. • Because Scripture is accurate and literal, the Spirit still calls us to the same wide-angled love. Why Distance Doesn’t Diminish Duty • One Body, One Life-source – “There is one body and one Spirit.” (Ephesians 4:4) – If Christ’s body hurts in one place, every member is affected (1 Corinthians 12:26). • Shared Citizenship in God’s Household – “So then you are... members of God’s household.” (Ephesians 2:19) – Family ties run deeper than geography; family looks after family. • Mutual Strength for the Spiritual Battle – “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions... for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18) – Intercession fortifies believers we may never meet until glory. • A Living Witness to the World – Jesus prayed “that they may all be one... so that the world may believe.” (John 17:21) – Cross-border love makes the gospel visible. • Fruit Credited to Heaven’s Account – “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.” (Philippians 4:17) – Every act of care stores treasure where moth and rust can’t touch it. Scriptural Threads That Tie Us Together • Galatians 6:10 – “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to the household of faith.” • Hebrews 13:3 – “Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them.” • 3 John 5-8 – Commends support for traveling brothers “even though they are strangers to you.” • Romans 15:1-2 – Bear the weaknesses of others; build them up. • Matthew 25:40 – “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” Practical Ways to Care for Unmet Believers • Pray specific, Scripture-soaked prayers for persecuted churches and unreached peoples. • Give financially to faithful ministries planting and watering where you cannot go. • Write letters, emails, or social-media messages of encouragement to missionaries and isolated saints. • Engage in short-term or long-term mission trips with a servant’s heart, not tourist eyes. • Advocate—share verified news, raise awareness, and speak for those who have no public voice. • Support Bible translation and distribution so distant brothers receive the Word in their own tongue. • Welcome traveling believers into your home, congregation, and circle of friendship. Living Out Paul’s Pattern Today Paul loved unseen believers because Christ already saw and loved them. When we mirror that concern, we honor our Lord, strengthen His body, and display a supernatural unity the world cannot explain. |
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