Building Each Other Up
The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in community with one another, supporting and encouraging each other along the way.
Restoring One Another
When a brother or sister in Christ is caught in sin, we are called to restore them in a spirit of gentleness. This requires a maturity and experience in the Christian life, as well as a willingness to bear one another’s burdens. By doing so, we fulfill the law of Christ, which is to love one another as ourselves.
Stirring Up Love and Good Works
We are also called to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. This involves serious thinking about other Christians and how we can encourage them in their faith. Meeting together regularly is essential for this, as it allows us to encourage and support one another.
The Importance of Community
Community is essential for Christian perseverance. When we come together, we can encourage and support one another, helping each other to stay strong in our faith. This is especially important as we see the Day of Christ’s return drawing near.
Characteristics of the Early Church
The early church was devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. They were a community that shared everything they had, selling their possessions and distributing the proceeds to those in need. As a result, they experienced awe and wonder at the works of God, and many people were added to their number.
The Value of Plurality
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. When we work together and support one another, we can accomplish far more than we could alone. A threefold cord is not quickly broken, and when we come together, we can withstand even the toughest challenges.
Living in Harmony
As followers of Christ, we are called to live in harmony with one another. This involves being humble, gentle, and patient, and bearing with one another in love. We are to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Love and Hospitality
Love is the distinguishing mark of Jesus’ disciples. We are to love one another as Christ has loved us, and to show hospitality to one another without grumbling. By doing so, we demonstrate the love of Christ to the world.
Serving One Another
We are to use our gifts to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whether we speak or serve, we are to do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
Enduring Love
Enduring love for others testifies that a person is living in light of the future. True love covers a multitude of sins, and where love abounds, offenses are frequently overlooked and quickly forgotten.
The Body of Christ
The body of Christ is made up of many members, each with their own unique gifts and abilities. We are to use our gifts to serve one another, and to work together for the common good. By doing so, we demonstrate the love of Christ to the world.
Living in Light of the Future
As followers of Christ, we are to live in light of the future. We are to be encouraged by the hope of eternal life, and to let that hope shape our lives here on earth. By doing so, we demonstrate the love of Christ to the world.
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