Preacher: Pastor (Dr) Otive Igbuzor
Text: Eccl 4: 9-12; 1 Peter 4: 7-11 Date: 13/10/24
Introduction:
Solidarity refers to a deep sense of unity and mutual support among individuals. Solidarity emphasizes love, justice, compassion and collective responsibility to care for others.
Christian calling is a call to solidarity:
Christians are called to live in unity (Eph 4: 2-4: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;(NIV)
Christians are called to share one another’s burden (Gal 6:2-Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.(NIV)
Christians are called to show love and compassion (John 13: 34-35-;“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”) 1 John 3: 17-18-If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.(NIV)
Christians are called to show solidarity with the marginalised Matt 25:37-40-“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (NIV)
James 1:27-Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (KJV)
Christians are called to pursue Justice and Peace Is 1: 17-Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.[a] Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. (NIV)
Family Solidarity
Family solidarity means that we care for other members of the family and stand together despite our differences with respect
1 Peter 4: 7-11-The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)
Care is not just a feeling but an action-
Be Hospitable
Provide for the family (1 Tim 5:8-)
Jesus taught us solidarity and care. Jesus’ purpose and mission was to do good and care for those oppressed by the Devil
Acts 10:38-how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. (NIV)
The early Christians lived in solidarity and care for the needy
Acts 4: 32- All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. (NIV)
Solidarity for Progress in a Christian Family
Solidarity is essential for any family to progress and thrive, especially a Christian family. When each family member works together in harmony, they reflect God’s design for the family, and this unity leads to greater spiritual, emotional, and even material progress. Solidarity is rooted in love, patience, forgiveness, and mutual understanding.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
I. Unity in Purpose and Vision
The first step towards solidarity is having a shared purpose and vision as a family. A Christian family should have a collective understanding of their spiritual goals—seeking to live according to God’s Word and growing in their faith.
Amos 3:3 says, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Progress is only possible when the family is united in their spiritual journey, seeking God’s direction for their lives.
II. Love and Sacrifice as the Foundation of Solidarity
Love is the cornerstone of family unity. The Bible commands us to love one another, especially within the family.
Ephesians 5:25 commands, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This love is sacrificial, willing to put the needs of others above our own.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes the attributes of love: “Love is patient, love is kind…it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This love is not just romantic, but it is the glue that binds the family together.
III. Forgiveness and Reconciliation
In any family, conflict is inevitable. However, solidarity is maintained when family members practice forgiveness and reconciliation.
Colossians 3:13 reminds us, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” A family that forgives quickly moves past offenses and maintains unity.
Matthew 18:21-22 teaches us to forgive not just once, but repeatedly, just as God continually forgives us.
IV. Serving One Another in Humility
Progress in a family is also achieved through serving one another in humility.
Philippians 2:3-4 teaches, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
When each family member seeks to serve others rather than themselves, the family functions harmoniously, and everyone progresses.
Illustration: Think of a chain. Each link in the chain is connected and supports the other. If one link becomes weak or selfish, the entire chain breaks. Similarly, when family members fail to serve one another, progress stalls. But when each link is strong in humility and service, the family moves forward as one.
V. Faith and Prayer as a Unifying Force
Finally, solidarity for progress in a Christian family is deeply rooted in faith and prayer. Praying together as a family unites hearts and strengthens their bond in Christ.
Matthew 18:19-20 says, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Families that pray together invite God’s presence into their midst and experience His guidance.
Practical Tips to Build Solidarity in a Christian Family
Family Devotion: Read God’s word together and pray together as a family.
Express love for each other often.
Spend meal time together
Go to church together
Learn about your ancestors: Teach your children about parents, grand parents and relations.
Conclusion:
Solidarity in a Christian family is not automatic; it must be nurtured through unity of purpose, sacrificial love, forgiveness, humble service, and shared faith. When these principles are in place, the family will experience spiritual, emotional, and even material progress.
Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” This verse reflects the blessing that comes from solidarity in a family. Let us commit to building strong, united families that reflect God’s love and purpose.
Prayer:
Father, help my family to live in solidarity
Almighty God, strengthen the bond of unity in my family
Help my family to work together for progress