Oluwatoyin Ajibose Wife, mother, grandmother, minister of the Gospel

The entire ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ that is, His preachings, teachings, working of miracles was based on forgiveness, love, compassion and placing others' needs above ours. As His followers, we also need to emulate and imitate Him in all that we do towards our fellow men. Romans 12:9-10 says "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another". However, even as the redeemed children of God, we need His grace to be able to do all that is needful for us to receive our crowns.

It is inferred from the question that the sister being referred to is a new convert. Therefore, care and caution are firstly needed to nurture her in other not to lose an already won soul. Luke 15:7, "there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents"......Not only her, but also her young children that will eventually receive the message and accept Christ as their Lord. 1Tess 5:14(b) says" comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men". All that is needed is patience and love. Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. Consequently, we need to do some kind of 'dying' for our brethren so that the purpose of Calvary can be fulfilled in all lives.

Being a new convert, the sister needs to be discipled in addition to counseling her on how to bring up her children in God's way. All counseling and teaching must be bible based. Following bible passages will be of help. Prov 22:6; 13:24; 23:13-14; 29:15. We should not forget that Jesus never gave up on us even when we behaved uncomely, disobedient or stubborn. Therefore, mercy and love will help in overcoming and accommodating all the sister's shortcomings until she is well grounded in the WORD.

Although The children's ages were not specified, but they can also be engaged in some form of educational activities during the cell meetings. Workbook or coloring books on bible characters can be made available for them to work on. In addition, a teacher can also be assigned to tell them bible stories or they can be asked to read the bible during the period. This will keep them busy and out of mischief. Whatever method will be used, the sister's son can also be guided to show love to the other two boys. So that together, both mother and child will be able to overcome any obstacle.

I am sure all efforts towards sustaining the woman and her children on the Lord's side cannot go to waste, it will surely be rewarded. The following passages attest to that fact. Heb 6:10; Ps 126:5-6 and James 5:19-20. All that is needed to obtain the reward is patience according to Heb 10:35-36. The sister shouldn't consider the option of stopping to attend the fellowship because of the present transient challenge. Heb 10:24-25 says in a nutshell that we should not forsake the assemblies of ourselves. Therefore, she should forge ahead and be encouraged by the promises in the Word of God for faithful and resilient laborers in the Vineyard. The Lord will reward her faithfulness in due time.

Another thing I will also advise her to do is to ask herself this question, " what will Jesus do in such situation?" If she is able to answer it truthfully then the problem is half solved. Definitely Jesus will not abandon, avoid, snub, condemn or give up on her. God has given to every man according to his several ability (matt 25:15(b) and that is why we have been commanded to not only bear fruits, but that our fruits should remain.

Finally, the book of 1Cor, 13:4-8a NIV. Says "Love is patient, love is kind..... It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs....It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always persevere....Love never fails". 

Dear soldier of Christ, I am not in any way down playing your feelings on the issue, "for it is him who wears the shoe that knows where it pinches" however, you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. Remain in HIM

December 23 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

JD Abshire

First of all salvation is a one on one personal relationship between the individual and The Lord Jesus, not a group effort or decision. 

John 1:12” But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

John 1:13” Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” 

I strongly disagree that tolerating persistent disruption of a Bible study and physical abuse of other children shows love. It shows disrespect and little or no love for the The Lord, the Word of God and those attending. The lift Sis needs is private, loving admonition and instruction from the host, the pastor or elder of the church concerning parental responsibility.

The devil and/or his hooligans are possibly using this disruption to prevent anyone from receiving benefit from the study and hoping to destroy it. I can guarantee it isn't the Holy Spirit.

Not quite according to the situation but I believe Matthew establishes the principle.

Matthew 18:15 “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”

Matthew 18:16 “But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”

Matthew 18:17 “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”

Matthew 18:18 "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

December 23 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report