Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business…
(Romans 12:10-11).

The Apostle Paul tells us not to be lazy. There should
not be an unwilling attitude where business is concerned
between Christians. We should not be lazy and dishonorable
in our dealings with anyone, especially not with our
brothers and sisters in Christ.

This almost happened to me. I’m embarrassed to think
how close I came to doing the very thing I am warning
you about.

I remember the day a young fellow came into my office
and said he wanted to see me. I knew his folks so I let
him in. He was excited.

“Brother Copeland,” he said, “I’ve been listening to your
tapes, and I’ve quit my job. I’m living by faith. I’m going
in the ministry full time.”

I thought, Lord, he’s going to be back through here before
long begging for money.

The Lord said, Well, when he does, give him some. What
did You say? I answered.

When he does, give him some, repeated the Lord. Don’t
ever sit in judgment against another person’s faith. You
had better pray and believe God for yourself.

If you don’t think he has the faith to carry this, get in with
him and add your faith to his.

The message I received was: Don’t damn another person’s
faith.

The young fellow I talked with that day was Jerry Savelle.

I didn’t know what I was talking about. But by acting in
honor (along with following some pointed guidance from
the Lord) I was blessed to have a part in his eventual
success and mighty ministry.

The minute Jerry walked out of the room, I realized that
God was commissioning me to help teach and train that
young man.

I would have missed that whole blessing if I had followed
my own instincts and tried to talk him out of what he
believed he was called to do.

I came close to being slothful in business (that is, in my
business of being sensitive to God and helping spread His
Word, directly or indirectly). God directed me to be
fervent in spirit, not to doubt when dealing with a Christian
brother or when serving the Lord.

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland