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God’s Family
Lesson 8: Consider One Another
Members of God’s family, if they are not careful, can become consumed by their own lives, needs, and desires so they fail to think and act like part of the family. They can also fail to be considerate of others in the ways they should. Therefore, each member of God’s family must learn to live with attentive consideration toward others.
Hebrews 10:19-25
Considering one another involves much more than just noticing some surface-level things about one another. It involves careful attention shown toward one another. For example, it may be easy to observe whether another does not assemble with the church (which they are urged not to neglect), but it requires deeper consideration to provoke (stir up, stimulate) him/her to the love and good works God desires from their lives! Brothers and sisters are needed to attentively consider what’s going on in a situation (without making improper judgments, James 4:11) and find ways to help each one grow in service to Christ!
Ephesians 4:1-3
The disciple of Christ has the responsibility to consider one another in the pursuit of unity in God’s family, maintaining the unity God has revealed in the pages of His word (vv. 4-6). For, each member of God’s family must not be pursuing his/her interests and desires but must work together in pursuit of the unity of truth. This, however, will require certain characteristics. First, you must live worthy of the gospel’s call by obeying what Jesus teaches (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). Second, you must live humbly and not consider yourself better or more important than others (Romans 12:3). Third, you must live with all gentleness to control your strength and make sure that what you do (e.g. toward your brothers and sisters) pleases God (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Fourth, you must be patient to endure trials and mistreatment from others without conducting yourself in a way that displeases God (James 5:10-11). Fifth, you must bear with your brothers and sisters in love so that you tolerate and put up with their weaknesses.
Galatians 6:2
There are many burdens members of God’s family carry. The concept is one of carrying a heavy weight over a long distance. These can be physical, emotional, or spiritual weights (e.g. griefs, traumas, sicknesses, regrets, family challenges, temptations, etc.). Left alone, these weights can result in brothers/sisters tiring, becoming discouraged, or giving up. Thankfully, God has not left each one to bear these burdens alone! Although there is a load that each one can and must carry himself/herself (v. 5; 1 Corinthians 10:13), God has designed and expected those in His family to help hold up the weights that are threatening each other spiritually. This is critical to fulfill the law of Christ! But, doing this will take attentive consideration toward one another to recognize the burdens being carried and to learn the best way to help (including by coming alongside the one, listening to, supporting, encouraging, understanding, etc. – and urging the brother/sister not to give up; Galatians 6:7-10; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58)!
Romans 12:15
Although it is easy to get consumed by the things going on in your life, this passage emphasizes how interconnected you should be with your brothers and sisters. When something happens in their lives that gives them reason to rejoice, you should consider yourself to have reason to rejoice. However, when something happens in their lives that causes them to weep, you should consider yourself to have reason to weep. The way you interact with them should reflect these things. This, though, should not be forced but should genuinely result from the care and attentive consideration you have for the other members of God’s family you deeply care about!
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
As you evaluate how you can help your brothers and sisters, you must give careful consideration and attention to what is going on in that person’s life. Notice there are multiple situations described here that can be true about your brothers and sisters: Disorderly (idle), discouraged, and weak. Then, notice that you cannot respond to each situation using the same approach. Some need to be confronted and warned for their sinful and rebellious choices. Some need to be comforted through the challenges they face. Some need to be helped due to their weakness in understanding and spiritual maturity. Regardless of which situation it is, though, patience must be demonstrated to help people in every circumstance please God!
Colossians 3:12-14
It is sad to see brothers and sisters in Christ conduct themselves without consideration toward one another. For, some will only know part of a situation and draw conclusions from that little information. This results in treating the brothers and sisters in ways that are unbecoming of those in God’s family. Notice the responsibility of Christians to be compassionate and kind toward one another. So, as you deal with others, you must do so with a heart that understands and shares in the thoughts and feelings of the other. Then, you must always treat that one with kindness in your thoughts, words, and actions (Matthew 7:12)! Remember, the point of your interaction with other Christians is not focused on just getting someone “told” whatever you think they need to hear, but on helping to stimulate them to greater love and service to God!
Conclusion
Members of God’s family must not be focused on themselves. Instead, they must actively consider each other and do the best they can to help one another live faithfully to Christ. All the interactions between them, then, must be focused on how they can best help each other serve Christ. This will demand considering things from the viewpoint of others and treating them how you would want them to treat you.
Discipleship Questions
What is the connection between considering one another and provoking love and good works?
How is considering one another essential in the pursuit of unity?
What characteristics are necessary to properly consider one another and to be united?
Why is it critical for Christians to help bear each other’s burdens in life?
What are some ways Christians can help bear each other’s burdens?
How can Christians rejoice and weep together?
How will the proper consideration of your brothers and sisters cause you to respond to each person’s situation appropriately?
How are compassion and kindness critical to demonstrating consideration for Christian brothers and sisters?