In This Together

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If any of you are suffering, they should pray. If any of you are happy, they should sing. If any of you are sick, they should call for the elders of the church, and the elders should pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. Prayer that comes from faith will heal the sick, for the Lord will restore them to health. And if they have sinned, they will be forgiven.
– James 5:13-15 CEB –


One of the best grades I’ve earned in seminary came in one of the hardest Greek classes. The only way I was able to do well in that class was from an incredible study group who supported and taught each other. The group was a mixture of times of serious focus and great laughter. I can’t imagine getting through that class well without those people!

James at the end of his letter is encouraging the believers to come together as a unified community. Though these Christians had struggled greatly, he encouraged them to come together to pray, rejoice, and care for each other. Caring for one another in our Christian community is one the jobs of the church. Nowadays we should still be seeking each other out to support and pray for each other. We should spend regular time together, care for one another when we’re sick, and even be willing to ask for help when we’re the ones in need of care. It can be tempting to think of faith as an individualistic thing. However, we were never meant to do this faith alone. We need one another just like I needed that study group.

I encourage you this week to look for ways you can support or be supported by fellow Christians. Though it can feel awkward to begin at first, praying together with your Christian friends can be really powerful. Additionally, if you’re having a hard time then reach out to your peers, the youth staff, or the church so we can come alongside you and support you. On the flip side, be looking for ways to rejoice with each other! We can rejoice in good grades, making the sports team, or simply rejoice in being able to spend good time together. Through all phases of life, be there to love and support each other in these real ways this week.

 To Read More: Hebrews 10:24-25 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

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