Joshua 1:14-15 NIV
“You are to help your brothers until the Lord gives them rest as He has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land the Lord your God is giving them. After that you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you east of the Jordan toward sunrise.”
Joshua is instructing the Israelites to not just look to their own needs but to help each other to cross the Jordan River. The river was perilous and they would need each other to reach the promised land on the other side, He was teaching them to be unselfish.
This life we lead as Gods children in our world today is for sure perilous at times. We need each other to journey through it until we are with Christ. God instructs us many times through out His Word to look to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is one reason it is so important to be part of a local church family. When we are, we will be aware of the needs of others around us because we will truly know them.
The world in which we live is usually fighting against Gods children. It can be trying at times and when a brother or sister in Christ gives us encouragement to keep going on for Christ we have renewed strength to do just that. There are enough people in our lives that are discouraging to us on a daily basis whether its at work at home or other various places, how refreshing it is when a fellow believer gives us a kind and encouraging word. Unknowing to them, that's exactly what you needed. (Proverbs 15:23). I know I have been encouraged by many of you reading this right now and I want to thank you!
There are many areas of life that we can assist each other such as helping the elderly with their chores around their house, fixing some meals for shut-ins or those who are going through an illness of some sort…etc. When we pray for God to open our eyes to the needs of those around us He will do just that. And when He does we are to be quick to follow His lead and be a helping hand to them. God has instructed us to love others as we do ourselves (Mark 12:31).
Philippians 2:4-5 GW
Don't be concerned only about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interest of others. Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Father God, I love You so, thank you for always helping me when I didn’t know I needed it. Thank you for placing people in my life that put the efforts in to learn me, love me, protect me and HELP me. I know its all you and I ask that you now help me to be aware of the needs of my brothers and sisters in Christ and to help them in any way that You call me to, for your glory, Amen!