Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Paul writes about the brethren here and says, they are his joy and crown. But what exactly what does this mean? I have thought about this for quite a while. I have the privilege to be part of a men’s group at church. From young to old they are there to learn about and praise Jesus. When I look around, I see men that have helped me and men I have helped. There is a feeling of family and brotherly love. This is what I think Paul is saying here.

So, being part of this group, we help each other by different means. It could be seeking knowledge of God from them. It could mean being prayed over by them. And this is vice-versa. We can do this only because we stand fast in the fact that the love of Jesus is in our hearts. We are standing in Christ and share our experience. This is the act of iron sharpening iron. This makes seasoned Christian men. Our families become stronger and we become better witnesses and teachers for Jesus.

If you have the chance become part of a small group of Christian believers. If there is not a small group in your church, then you start one. You will quickly learn the meaning of being part of a loving and caring church. But before this can happen you must first be saved from your sin. How you do this is by knowing Jesus Christ as savior. He makes it very clear He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. Will you accept the challenge?