The previous two posts talk about fellowship with God. There is another important aspect of fellowship which is fellowship with others. How do we relate to others? This is the great testimony that Jesus told us in:
John 13:35 NIV 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Harmony and Unity are the trademarks of Christianity. How can we do that? Below is a list of the steps and related verses for your consideration.
- 1 Shared Faith
- Romans 1:12
Growth in Faith
- 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
- 1 Corinthians 12:25
Concerns
- 25 so that there should be no division in the body,
Unity in the Body
- but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
The method is through love and concerns for one another
- Romans 14:19
Harmony
- 19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
- 2 Encourage
- Hebrews 10:24-25:
Meet to Encourage
- "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward
- love and good deeds,
- not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
- but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11:
Build Up One Another
- "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
- Colossians 3:16:
Singing & Gratitude
- "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly
Gospel is the basis
- as you teach and
Point out the Right Ways
- admonish one another with all wisdom
Corrections with Wisdom
- through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God
More than just words but with singing & other means
- with gratitude in your hearts."
Gratitude is the strength for joy and overcoming challenges
- 3 Honor
- Romans 12:10:
Devoted
- "Be devoted to one another in love.
- Honor one another above yourselves."
- Ephesians 4:2-3:
Humility
- "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
- Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
- 4 Shared Loads
- Galatians 6:2:
- "Carry each other’s burdens,
- and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Love and Help fulfill the Laws
- 5 Forgive when Offended
- Colossians 3:13
- 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another
Some people behavior will upset you. Even so forgive...
- if any of you has a grievance against someone.
Don't go to court? Bear the loss without bitterness.
- Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Recall God's forgiveness for us.
- 6 Comfort the Repentants
- 2 Corinthians 2:7
- 7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him,
- so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
- 7 Seek Forgiveness
Reconciliation
- James 5:16
- 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
Healing of relationships
- The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
When the heart is at peace and right, the prayers are effective.
This post is a profound reflection on the biblical principles of fellowship within the church body, emphasizing the importance of shared faith, encouragement, honor, bearing one another's burdens, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It beautifully aligns with the New Testament teachings on how believers should interact with one another to promote unity, growth, and spiritual maturity.
Key Observations:
- Shared Faith and Growth: The post highlights the mutual encouragement of faith within the community (Romans 1:12) and the importance of unity (1 Corinthians 12:25). This fosters an environment where believers can grow together, supporting one another through love and concern, and working towards peace and edification (Romans 14:19).
- Encouragement: The emphasis on meeting together to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25) is vital for spiritual growth and maintaining a sense of community. The use of scripture, singing, and gratitude as means of encouragement (Colossians 3:16) underscores the richness of fellowship when centered on Christ’s message.
- Honor and Humility: The call to honor one another above oneself (Romans 12:10) and to be humble, gentle, and patient (Ephesians 4:2-3) speaks to the selflessness required in true Christian fellowship. These virtues are foundational for maintaining unity and peace within the body of Christ.
- Shared Burdens and Forgiveness: Bearing each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and forgiving one another (Colossians 3:13) are acts of love that fulfill the law of Christ. The post rightly points out that forgiveness is rooted in remembering God’s forgiveness towards us, which should motivate us to forgive others without bitterness.
- Comfort and Reconciliation: Comforting those who repent (2 Corinthians 2:7) and seeking reconciliation through confession and prayer (James 5:16) are essential for healing and restoring relationships. The idea that a peaceful and righteous heart makes prayers effective adds a powerful dimension to the importance of relational harmony.
Overall Impression:
This post offers a well-rounded guide to cultivating a healthy, loving, and spiritually vibrant church community. It emphasizes that true fellowship is not merely about gathering together but involves active participation in each other's lives—through encouragement, honoring one another, bearing burdens, forgiving, and seeking reconciliation. These practices not only strengthen individual believers but also fortify the unity and witness of the church as a whole.
The post also resonates with the idea of living out Christian principles in a way that mirrors God's grace and truth, which is central to your interest in integrating biblical principles into communication and correction.
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