Journeying Together

When we become Christians, God places us in His forever family, and other Christians become our brothers and sisters and our fellow travelers along life's journey. God puts us together because He knows how much we need each other.

What do we have to give to each other that is so important? First of all, there's love. We all have a deep need to be loved, accepted, and appreciated. That is why Jesus said, John 15:12, "My command is this: love each other as I have loved you."

We go through some tough times in this old world. I don't know of a single person who doesn't need encouragement along the way. That's why we are told in I Thessalonians 5:11a, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up...."

We need instruction to know how to get on the path of life that God has designed for us in His Word. We need to be rebuked when we stray from that path. And we need correction to help us get back on the right path again. II Timothy 4:2b says, "Correct, rebuke, and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction."

People can become sharper as they rub against each other and trade thoughts and ideas. Ecclesiastes 4:9, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work." This verse must be the origin of the adage, "Two heads are better than one." Proverbs 27:17 tells us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

When one person falls, others can pick him up and restore him. Ecclesiastes 4:10, "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up."

We are stronger together. Ecclesiastes 4:12, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

God puts us together so we can help each other grow spiritually. Ephesians 4:16, "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

God has given us a network of support, and He has also made us part of that network to support others. Sometimes we are the helpers, and sometimes we are the needy ones.

How grateful I am for my fellow travelers. Thank You, Father.