Caring Christian Relationships

Christians cares for others by showing love and providing for physical and spiritual needs. We are commanded to care for our families and others. 1 Timothy 5:21 - Observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. The followings are discussed: Provide for Families, and Respect Leaders and Model Good Works

Provide for the Family: All members of the Church are a family that we must take good care of. We are to show love to and respect the elderly. We must be kind to the older and younger members of the society, and in dealing with them we must not be careless (1 Timothy 5:1&2). People's relationship with God is judged by the relationships with one another. Relationship is an act of worship to God. If it is faulty with others it cannot be smooth with God.

Christians must care for the widows, esp the widows indeed. The widows indeed are those without surviving children or grandchildren to care for them. In such a situation the Church should take care of the widows. While the widows indeed are enjoying benevolence of members of the Church they are expected to be steadfast in prayers, especially for the Church ( 1 Timothy 5: 3-8 ). When they do this they will be valuable assets of the Church and their contributions will make things to work. Those who do not provide for their families are worse than unbelievers (verse 8 ). Christians must be good examples for others to follow in all good manners. Conducts which bring reproach to gospel should be avoided.

Respect Leaders: Christians must honour and respect leaders in the Church. The leaders are saddled with lots of responsibilities. They are committed to teaching, preaching and supervisory works. As they do all these, other members of the Church are encouraged to respect and give them financial support (5:17&18 ).

The scripture provides the basis for disciplining leaders with sinful practices. Before a leader is found guilty his deeds must be thoroughly investigated.

Leaders should not be condemned by false accusations; facts should be established by two or more witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19-22). False accusations can ruin minister's ability for effective ministry and tarnish the Church's reputation. But if a minister is found guilty he must be rebuked publicly in order to give opportunity for public confession, repentance and restoration. Such discipline will also serve as a deterrent to others.

Model Good Works: Solid Christian lifestyle is based on sound doctrines. True word of God transforms lives and makes it possible to truly love and care for others (Titus 2:1). Wrong belief leads to wrong behaviour.

Godly lifestyle makes it easier to translate right believing to right behaving. In order to establish Christian caring relationships older and younger members of Christian families must be able to check their lifestyles and control their behaviors. They must embrace holy and righteous living, and be fair in dealing with one another. Lesson texts: 1 Timothy 5:1-24; Titus 2:1-10.