Proverbs 23:22-25; 2 Timothy 1:16-18
Some good instruction and insight on relationships today from Proverbs and 2 Timothy. But it was the verses from 2 Timothy that talked about Onesiphorus that really captured my attention. They focused my thinking in on the value of relationships. Although Paul and Onesiphorus weren't blood relatives, Onesiphorus acted like a brother to Paul--serving and encouraging him.
Does Onesiphorus' example encourage you regarding helping others, particularly family? As we approach Christmas, who might you refresh, encourage and help? Tami W.
P.S. We continue to look at "What's Right with the Family?" this week on Back to the Bible. So if you can, join us for those studies--either online or via your local Christian radio station.
Christmas is about giving and recieving. Jesus gave so much we ought to give back the same to others in need. Especially our time. Honor your parents with love and support. Be kind to a neighbor.We can take time to go to a nursing home. SO many lonely people there. We can go to a shelter for battered families and give some helpful items they can't afford. Like paper products, sox, fresh fruit and vegetables.Any necessity. Give/take gifts to children of prisoners. Anything God lays on your heart to do do it with all your might in Christ Jesus.Oh God move YOUR people and make us be YOUR Hands and feet.Teach Your children to be givers not takers.
You are right that relationship and relationships are the most important things. It is so amazing that God chose to reveal Himself to us through the most personal of all relationships, father and child. And then Jesus is referred to as "our brother". You'd think it would be easy for us to understand the importance of relationship and the importance of investing in those relationships. But most of us would rather have a "relationship" with someone on TV! God help us to pour our lives into relationship with You and with others.
wisdom and understanding here is to Listen to your father who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
It's not always easy to help other, especially when your generousity has been taken advantage of. And often times it is easier to help persons outside of your family...
However, as we reflect on the real meaning of Christmas, God the Father sending His Son into this world to ultimately die for us, who were born in sin and shapen in iniquity... well I guess its allows me to view helping others (even those I don't like) in a different light.
This Christmas, I really want to refresh, encourage and help those who least expect it... the guy who sweeps up the plaza where my office is, that family member whom I haven't had the best of times with for the past few years, that Church member who will miss our Christmas morning breakfast and watch night service because he has to work. Hmmm, now that I think about it, I guess I can make a difference....
I enjoy helping others, giving is easy for me, but I find recently that I have to focus more on My "Mom" not on others, as things are very difficult since June of this year. Mom is not a christian, but thinks she is. Scripture does not say, "honor your christian parents only" so I am not off the "hook". God gives us wisdom AS we need it.