“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you.” (3 John 5)
What does it mean, really, to “walk in the truth”? One thing it means, according to John, is to recognize complete strangers as brothers and sisters simply because they’ve been adopted by the same Father in heaven through faith in Jesus.
We have different rules for family than we do for friends, especially when trouble comes. If either of the two brothers I grew up with called me right now and asked for my help with something major, I’d be there. They get special access and special permission to come to me for help.
A similar thing is meant to happen between brothers and sisters in Christ; we’re told to love everyone, but especially those of the “household of faith.” Even if I just met them and found out about their need for help with the mission, I’m available to my brothers in Christ. They’re family.
Think: Have you ever felt a family connection to someone you just met because both of you were Christians? Have you ever helped a stranger in their mission to serve God only because you serve the same God?
Pray: Thank God for your brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. Ask him to help you to be ready to help people in your Christian family when you can.
Do: Be on the lookout for the next stranger who asks for your help and be ready to do what you can for him or her.