The “household of faith” mentioned in Galatians 6:10 refers to the community of believers in Christ. The verse reads, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” This indicates that while we should do good to all people, fellow Christians should receive special care and consideration from us.
The “household of faith” can be understood in a few ways:
1. All Christians everywhere
In the broadest sense, the household of faith encompasses the entire worldwide body of Christ. Every person who has put their faith in Jesus for salvation is part of the family of God. This would include all true born-again believers across time, geography, denominations, etc. The household of faith stretches across continents and centuries, consisting of hundreds of millions of believers past and present.
2. The local church congregation
More specifically, the household of faith can refer to the local gathering of believers in a particular church congregation. This is the community of Christians who worship, serve, and fellowship together in the same location on an ongoing basis. They are like an immediate and extended spiritual family caring for one another regularly.
Paul’s instruction to the Galatians would apply directly to how they treated fellow members of their own church body. The household of faith included those they interacted with routinely in their services, meetings, and ministry activities.
3. Close Christian friends/family
At the most intimate level, the household of faith comprises our closest Christian associates. These are our personal brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we have developed deep spiritual bonds over time. It would include immediate family members, as well as close friends, mentors, ministry partners, small group members, etc. who share our faith.
This inner circle of Christian relationships features those we know well, trust greatly, and have opportunity to serve and care for in very hands-on, day-to-day ways. Our love and good works within this inner household of faith is an outworking of true Christian fellowship and community.
Principles for ministering to the household of faith
In keeping with Paul’s instructions in Galatians 6:10, here are some principles for how we can specially minister to fellow members of the household of faith:
– Pray regularly for their spiritual growth and health. Uphold our brothers and sisters consistently in prayer.
– Provide meals/groceries to those going through illness or hard times. Meet tangible needs.
– Visit the sick and grieving. Be a loving presence during their struggles.
– Write notes of biblical encouragement to lift their spirits. Send Scripture and promises of God.
– Give financially to help with unexpected expenses. Share resources generously.
– Offer practical helps like childcare, transportation, housing, legal aid, job search assistance, etc. Lend assistance.
– Share biblical counsel and advice to guide them through issues and decisions. Provide spiritual mentoring.
– Do service projects together like cleaning, yardwork, repairs, construction. Pitch in wherever needed.
– Invite newcomers or singles over for fellowship meals. Build relationships.
– Share spiritual gifts like teaching, hospitality, worship, administration, etc. Contribute strengths.
– Partner in outreach efforts locally and globally. Serve together.
– Disciple young believers one-on-one. Invest spiritually in others.
– Tend gently to the wounded and fallen. Restore them in the spirit of Galatians 6:1-2.
Living out “doing good” to the body of Christ demonstrates the kind of “one another” care and mutual concern that honors Christ and builds up the church. As we have opportunity, being eager to meet needs within our household of faith is a special privilege and responsibility.
Biblical images of the household of faith
Scripture uses various metaphors and images when depicting the people of God which can further illuminate our understanding of the household of faith:
A family: Christ’s followers are adopted into God’s household as His children (Ephesians 1:5). He is the eternal Father over this spiritual family. We are joint heirs with Christ, God’s Son (Romans 8:17).
A temple: Believers assembled together are being built up into a holy temple, a dwelling place for God’s presence (Ephesians 2:21-22). The household of faith is God’s new covenant sanctuary.
A body: The church community functions together as the body of Christ on earth (1 Corinthians 12:27). Each member belongs and contributes in this organic whole.
A flock: Christians are the Lord’s sheep who follow His lead, know His voice, receive His care as their shepherd (John 10:16).
A royal priesthood: All believers are priests set apart to serve God and minister grace to the world around them (1 Peter 2:9).
Branches on a vine: Jesus is the vine and Christians are the branches attached to Him, deriving their life and fruitfulness directly from the Savior (John 15:5).
A spiritual house: Christ’s followers are like living stones being joined together into one spiritual house for God’s glory (1 Peter 2:5).
This beloved community of faith described with terms of intimacy and unity is what Scripture calls the household of faith. Understanding these biblical images better helps equip us to fulfill the “one another” responsibilities within this family.
The early church as a household of faith
The book of Acts provides an inspirational model of the early church caring for its household of faith. We see the following:
– Shared meals, communion, fellowship (Acts 2:42, 46)
– Gave sacrificially so no one lacked basic needs (Acts 2:45, 4:34)
– Met for prayer, teaching, breaking of bread (Acts 2:42)
– Praised God together (Acts 2:47)
– Shared spiritual gifts to serve one another (Acts 6:1-6)
– Defended each other against threats (Acts 4:24, 12:5)
– Sent physical relief to support distant brethren (Acts 11:27-30)
– Settled disputes between members (Acts 15:1-21)
– Joined together in worship (Acts 16:25)
– Wept together (Acts 20:36-38)
The early Christians understood themselves as a family of faith. Whether in Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, or elsewhere, meeting the needs of Christ’s followers was integral to their identity. They loved each other in word and deed as brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians to specially care for the household of faith aligns perfectly with this early church model. The ability to effectively minister to fellow believers comes from the Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts and Christ’s body joined together in unity.
Cautions about the household of faith
While Scripture is clear about prioritizing the needs of the household of faith, two cautions are in order:
1. We should not become ingrown and exclusive. The household of faith is not a clique or a club. There are times we may need to set healthier boundaries, but our care for Christ’s body should never prevent us from serving unbelievers as we are able. Paul said, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10). The church family is a lighthouse, not a fortress.
2. We must avoid favoritism within the body. Caring for the household of faith does not justify playing favorites, catering to the rich, neglecting the lonely, or marginalizing the weak. James warns against partiality of this kind within the church (James 2:1-9). A true household cares for all its members equitably.
The call to prioritize fellow Christians should not be abused. The household of faith was created to be a blessing to the whole world in Jesus’ name.
Conclusion
Galatians 6:10 offers an important directive – as we have opportunity, we should make it a priority to do good to our fellow believers in Christ. This special care for His household of faith in all its dimensions is pleasing to God. It results in greater unity, spiritual health, and vibrant witness when lived out biblically in the church. By sharing our lives and resources generously with other followers of Jesus, we invest in things of eternal value that bring glory to God.