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PRACTICES THAT HARM THE LORD’S CHURCH: The Danger of Spiritual Discouragement Among Brethren by Willie A. Alvarenga

Another harmful practice that we can add to the list, and one that has seriously affected the Lord’s church, is the danger of spiritual discouragement among brethren. What is meant by this expression? By spiritual discouragement, we refer to the lack of encouragement, support, and edification among members of the body of Christ. We are speaking of brethren who do not take the time to strengthen, encourage, and build up their spiritual family in the Lord. At first glance, this attitude may seem insignificant; however, its consequences can be devastating to the spiritual health of a congregation.

The Scriptures have much to say about this matter. For example, the writer of Hebrews exhorted the church, saying, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). Notice the text carefully. God not only commands us to love one another, but also to think of practical ways to encourage one another spiritually. The phrase “consider one another” implies paying attention to the needs of our brethren so that we may help them remain faithful to the Lord.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:11-14). This portion of Scripture reminds us of our responsibility to build one another up. It also teaches us that there are brethren who need encouragement because they are going through times of weakness, sorrow, or discouragement.

Sadly, some Christians have become accustomed to attending worship services without taking the time to encourage anyone. They arrive, worship, and leave without offering a word of comfort, gratitude, or encouragement. Such an attitude is contrary to the spirit of the New Testament. God wants us to be instruments of encouragement for our brethren. Barnabas is an excellent example of this. His name means “Son of Encouragement” or “Son of Consolation” (Acts 4:36). Because of his willingness to encourage others, many were strengthened in the faith and the church was edified.

How much time do you take to express appreciation and encouragement to the elders, deacons, preachers, and teachers of the congregation? They face many struggles, responsibilities, and challenges in their service to the Lord. Elders watch over souls as those who must give an account (Hebrews 13:17). Preachers labor diligently in the teaching of God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:1-5). Teachers devote time and effort to instructing the church. All of them need our prayers, our support, and our words of encouragement.

Many times, our brethren go through afflictions, illnesses, family difficulties, financial problems, and spiritual trials. During such times, words of encouragement can have a tremendous impact. Proverbs 12:25 declares, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Likewise, Proverbs 16:24 teaches, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” We should never underestimate the power of a word of encouragement spoken at the right time.

How can we encourage one another? Consider the following suggestions:

(1) By obeying the command to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11-14; Hebrews 10:24-25).

(2) By letting our spiritual family know that we are praying for them (Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:12).

(3) By avoiding actions, words, or attitudes that discourage our brethren (3 John 9-10; 2 Timothy 4:10, 14, 16).

(4) By loving our brethren as Christ has loved us (John 13:34-35).

(5) By considering others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:1-4).

(6) By letting them know how much we appreciate and value them (Philippians 1:7-8).

(7) By weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15; 1 Corinthians 12:26).

(8) By speaking words that edify and impart grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).

(9) By bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

(10) By exhorting one another daily so that none may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13).

(11) By showing hospitality and kindness toward our brethren (1 Peter 4:9; Romans 12:13).

(12) By expressing gratitude for the work and service of others (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

Often, we fail to realize the positive influence that words of encouragement can have. The faith of many is strengthened when they understand how much they are loved and appreciated by their brethren in Christ. Sometimes a simple text message, phone call, visit, or handshake accompanied by sincere words can make a tremendous difference in the life of someone who is struggling.

Therefore, God’s people are encouraged to take time to strengthen their spiritual family. Take a few minutes to send an encouraging message to a brother or sister. Let others know that you appreciate their work and faithfulness to the Lord. I assure you that your brethren in Christ will greatly appreciate such a loving gesture.

Let us remember that we are running together in the race that leads to heaven. None of us will arrive there alone. We need the support, prayers, and encouragement of our brethren. Let us fight together and never cease encouraging one another. May every congregation strive to be filled with “Barnabases,” men and women committed to strengthening the faith of those around them.

Personally, I am grateful to all my brothers and sisters in Christ who throughout the years have taken the time to offer me words of encouragement. May God bless them for being true “sons of consolation.” May the Lord help all of us become instruments of encouragement, hope, and edification for His people.

btsop2004@gmail.com

PRACTICES THAT HURT THE LORD’S CHURCH: WIVES MISTREATING THEIR HUSBANDS by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another harmful practice that we can add to the list, and one that has seriously harmed the Lord’s church, is wives mistreating their husbands. This has been a very serious problem for a long time and, sadly, it continues to affect many Christian homes. God designed marriage to be a relationship of love, respect, mutual help, and spiritual edification (Gen. 2:18; Eph. 5:22-33). When a wife fails to fulfill the responsibilities, God has given her, she not only affects her marriage, but also the spiritual stability of the home and the well-being of the church.

The mistreatment of husbands by wives can be observed in many ways: (1) Not showing respect toward their husbands (Eph. 5:33; 1 Pet. 3:1-6), (2) Not submitting to them according to the order established by God (Eph. 5:22-24; Col. 3:18), (3) Being quarrelsome and contentious with their husbands (Prov. 21:9; 27:15), (4) Being wrathful and controlled by anger (Prov. 21:19), (5) Speaking evil of their husbands before others (Eph. 4:29; Mt. 12:36-37), (6) Refusing to live as the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31, (7) Being foolish women who tear down their homes with their own hands (Prov. 14:1), (8) Failing to honor marital faithfulness (Heb. 13:4; Mt. 5:28), (9) Neglecting the home and family responsibilities (Tit. 2:4-5), (10) Becoming a stumbling block to their husbands by failing to encourage them spiritually (Job 2:9), (11) Refusing to demonstrate a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God (1 Pet. 3:4), and (12) Failing to fulfill their marital duties (1 Cor. 7:1-5).

In some cases, the behavior of certain wives has become one of the reasons many husbands do not live happily with them. It also prevents husbands from properly fulfilling the duties they have within marriage. This should never be the case; nevertheless, sadly, it often is. Many husbands suffer emotionally and spiritually because of the mistreatment they receive from their wives. These wives do not always consider the great harm they cause when their behavior is not in harmony with the will of God.

The Bible clearly teaches that the home must be characterized by peace, love, and mutual edification. Colossians 3:19 commands husbands to love their wives and not be bitter against them; likewise, wives should seek to have a conduct that helps and strengthens their husbands. Marriage was not designed to be a relationship of competition, manipulation, or disrespect, but rather a union where both glorify God (Eccl. 4:9-12).

In what ways does the mistreatment of husbands by wives affect the church? Consider the following consequences:

  1. Husbands are hindered from fulfilling the responsibilities God has entrusted to them.
  2. Some husbands do not become preachers because their wives do not wish to support them in the work of the Lord.
  3. Some are unable to serve as elders because of the unfaithful or disorderly conduct of their wives before God (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:6-9).
  4. Others cannot become deacons because of a lack of spiritual support in the home (1 Tim. 3:12).
  5. Many cannot fully participate in certain ministries because of constant conflicts within the marriage.
  6. The church receives reproach from the world when it observes the unfaithful conduct of some wives.
  7. The Word of God is blasphemed because of wives who fail to fulfill their God-given duties (Tit. 2:5).
  8. Children are negatively affected when they grow up in homes filled with conflict and disrespect.
  9. The spiritual atmosphere of the home is weakened, affecting prayer, Bible study, and faithfulness to God.
  10. Satan takes advantage of these difficulties to divide homes and weaken the church (1 Pet. 5:8).

This is a very serious matter with painful consequences. The church is hurt when married Christian women do not conduct themselves as God commands in His Word. It should always be the case that God’s people strive to live in such a way that He may be glorified in the lives of all the members of the church (Mt. 5:16; 1 Cor. 10:31).

Thanks be to God, change is possible. Our heavenly Father has provided everything necessary for wives to develop a godly and pleasing character before Him. Through the study of the Word, prayer, humility, and a sincere desire to obey God, every wife can become a blessing to her husband, her home, and the church. All wives are encouraged to strive every day to become the kind of wife God commands them to be. This can truly be accomplished!

Willie A. Alvarenga | btsop2004@gmail.com

PRACTICES THAT HURT THE LORD’S CHURCH – HUSBANDS MISTREATING THEIR WIVES by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another dangerous practice that we can add to the list—one that has seriously harmed the Lord’s church—is that of husbands mistreating their wives. This has been a very serious problem for a long time, and one that continues to cause pain, sorrow, and division in many homes. The mistreatment of wives by their husbands can be seen in the following ways:

  1. Failing to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25)
  2. Treating their wives harshly (Col. 3:19)
  3. Failing to provide for the physical and spiritual needs of the home (1 Tim. 5:8)
  4. Failing to be the spiritual head of the home (Eph. 5:23)
  5. Not treating their wives as the weaker vessel (1 Pet. 3:7)
  6. Using words that wound and emotionally destroy (Eph. 4:29)
  7. Being unfaithful to them (Matt. 5:28; Heb. 13:4)
  8. Neglecting the time and attention they should give them (Eccl. 9:9)
  9. Acting with selfishness and pride (Phil. 2:3–4)
  10. Physically abusing their wives through domestic violence.

These are only some of the ways a husband can mistreat his wife. Such practices are sinful before God and completely contrary to the divine design for marriage.

Sadly, the mistreatment of wives by their husbands is something that has been observed even in some churches of the Lord. Beloved brethren, this must never be the case in our marriages. The Christian home should be a place where love, respect, understanding, and peace reign. It has never been God’s will for a wife to live in fear, sadness, or insecurity. Marriage was established by God for blessing and companionship (Gen. 2:18, 24), not for suffering or abuse.

The apostle Paul wrote the following to the saints in Ephesus:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones” (Eph. 5:25–30).

Through this section we can observe how the apostle instructs husbands to:

  1. Love their wives with a deep, sacrificial love that imitates Christ’s love for His church,
  2. Always seek the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of their wives,
  3. Love and care for their wives as their own bodies, and
  4. Treat their wives with tenderness, patience, and consideration.

Every husband who obeys these directives will keep himself far from mistreating his wife. However, every husband who ignores the commandments God has established for marriage will end up destroying his own home and drifting away from the divine will.

The Bible clearly teaches that the character of a Christian must reflect gentleness, self-control, and love. Paul wrote: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice” (Eph. 4:31). He also wrote: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Eph. 4:32). A husband who constantly lives in anger, shouting, threats, and violence is acting in a way that is incompatible with the Christian life.

The apostle Peter also instructed husbands, saying:

“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Pet. 3:7).

This passage emphasizes that a husband must honor and respect his wife. The man who humiliates, despises, or mistreats his wife endangers his relationship with God, for his prayers will be hindered.

It is also important to remember that children suffer greatly when they witness violence and mistreatment in the home. A home filled with shouting, threats, and aggression leaves deep emotional wounds. Christian parents must raise their children “in the discipline and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4), showing by their example what a godly and God-pleasing marriage looks like.

Therefore, what else can be done to prevent the mistreatment of wives? Husbands, consider the following:

  1. Remember that your wife is a great blessing in your life (Prov. 18:22)
  2. Remember that your wife must be treated with love, dignity, and respect (1 Pet. 3:7)
  3. Remember that failing to treat your wife well will result in your prayers not being heard or answered by God (1 Pet. 3:7)
  4. Remember that true love “does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked” (1 Cor. 13:4–7)
  5. Remember that you will give account to God for the way you treated your family (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10), and
  6. Remember that mistreating your wife can result in the loss of your hope of eternal life if there is no genuine repentance (Rom. 6:23).

It is imperative to remember that mistreating your wife will prevent you from experiencing spiritual growth according to God’s will. Marriage is an institution established by God and, as such, must be respected and held in high honor (Heb. 13:4). God has already provided sufficient instruction to enjoy a beautiful and stable relationship in marriage. Therefore, let us always strive to show love, patience, respect, and faithfulness toward our wives. Only then will we have strong homes, healthy marriages, and congregations that are pleasing before God.

Challenges Young People Face: Becoming “Walking Bibles” by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another important challenge that young people face today is becoming a “walking Bible.” This expression has been used for years to describe Christians—both young and old—who have devoted time, effort, and discipline to memorizing the Scriptures and becoming deeply familiar with the teachings of God’s Word. A “walking Bible” is not merely someone who can quote many verses from memory, but a person who faithfully lives, applies, and teaches what God has revealed. It is someone whose life reflects Biblical knowledge in daily conduct (cf. James 1:22).

Young people possess great potential to reach this goal. Their minds and hearts can be compared to a “sponge” that easily absorbs knowledge. Scripture itself acknowledges the spiritual potential of youth. Ecclesiastes 12:1 exhorts, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,” while 1 Timothy 4:12 encourages, “Let no one despise your youth…” Many faithful young people throughout Biblical history demonstrated that it is possible to know God’s will deeply from an early age, such as Timothy, who from childhood had known the Holy Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15).

Memorizing Scripture is a powerful tool for the Christian life. It not only strengthens faith but also equips young people to face temptation and teach others. The Bible clearly teaches, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word,” and “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:9, 11). Additionally, God’s Word is described as light and guidance (Psalm 119:105), living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12), and able to equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

When a young person chooses to be filled with God’s Word, they experience many blessings. They gain strength against sin, following the example of Jesus, who used Scripture to resist temptation (Matthew 4:1–11). They are prepared to teach others, as instructed in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be ready to give an answer. They also experience continuous spiritual growth, desiring “the pure milk of the word” (1 Peter 2:2), and acquire true wisdom, since “the law of the Lord is perfect, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7). Furthermore, their obedience becomes evidence of their love for God: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Becoming a “walking Bible” requires discipline and commitment. Young people can cultivate this goal by reading the Bible daily (Joshua 1:8), memorizing verses consistently, meditating on the Word (Psalm 1:1–2), listening to sound Biblical teaching, and applying what they learn in everyday life. These practices help transform knowledge into faithful living.

The Christian young person faces many challenges in today’s world, but one of the most important is to be filled with the Word of God (Colossians 3:16). Becoming a “walking Bible” is not optional for spiritual growth—it is essential. By doing so, the young person will not only please God but will also be better prepared to face life, help others, and ultimately attain eternal life. As the psalmist declared, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). May God help us to become “walking Bibles” in our lives!

Practices that Harm the Lord’s Church: Favoritism Among Brethren by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another dangerous practice that, throughout the centuries, has seriously harmed the Lord’s church is favoritism among brethren. This has been a problem since the first century, even in the days of the early church. James, the Lord’s brother, addressed this issue directly in his letter. In chapter 2, he presents the relationship between faith and works, emphasizing that true faith must be accompanied by obedience. One of those works is avoiding partiality. The text clearly declares that our faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must be without favoritism (James 2:1).

The expression “respect of persons” denotes partiality or unfair preferential treatment toward certain individuals. It involves valuing some over others based on external factors such as appearance, social status, or personal advantage (cf. James 2:2–4). This attitude is sinful because it contradicts the nature of God, who shows no partiality (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11). Furthermore, it directly attacks the integrity of the Christian faith, since genuine faith that pleases God cannot exist where favoritism is practiced (James 2:9).

Favoritism is also sinful because it destroys the unity and brotherly love that God desires among His people. Our Lord Jesus Christ commanded: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another” (John 13:34–35). This love must be sincere, without hypocrisy (Romans 12:9), and extended to all brethren without distinction (1 Peter 1:22). Christ Himself is the perfect example, as He showed compassion and love without discrimination. He reflected the character of the Father, who treats all with justice and fairness (Colossians 3:25).

Those who practice favoritism often fail to realize that their actions are evident. Scripture teaches: “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:16). Sin, even when one attempts to hide it, will eventually be revealed (Numbers 32:23). Favoritism exposes a lack of spiritual maturity and weak faith—qualities that must be corrected if one desires to inherit eternal life (2 Peter 1:5–11).

Additionally, it is important to remember that in the body of Christ there is no room for divisions or human preferences. Galatians 3:28 teaches that we are all one in Christ Jesus. Likewise, Ephesians 4:1–3 exhorts us to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Favoritism breaks that unity and causes stumbling among brethren (Romans 14:13).

What are some symptoms of favoritism?
(1) Preferring to associate only with a select group,
(2) speaking negatively about those outside that group (James 4:11),
(3) showing concern only for close companions,
(4) doing good only to those who return the favor (Luke 6:32–33),
(5) excluding or ignoring other brethren,
(6) displaying attitudes of contempt or superiority (Philippians 2:3),
(7) living a superficial faith without genuine Christian love.

Brethren, let us ask God to help us never open our hearts to the sin of favoritism. Let us remember that such an attitude is contrary to the gospel and can prevent us from attaining eternal life (Revelation 2:10). Let us practice true love, humility, and justice. Let us learn to love all our brethren in Christ without distinction, for this is what God desires from each one of us (Micah 6:8).