Church as Family – One Anothering

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

A significant foundational truth for us as followers of Jesus is the importance of the church as a family. We are joined together in Christ as a body of believers. We are sons and daughters of the same Father, and our relationship with each other should be as a true Christian family. One of the key characteristics of a family is their love for one another. As brothers and sisters we should live in unity with one another, in total acceptance, being hospitable, like-minded, forgiving, not judgmental, not slandering or gossiping, and not bearing grudges.

The New Testament has many verses that instruct us on how we should be with one another.  Here are a few to start us thinking:

If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. John 13:14

 This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. John 15:12

 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honour. Romans 12:10

 Be of the same mind toward one another. Romans 12:16

 Pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:19

 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. Romans 15:7

 Bear one another’s burdens. Galatians 6:2

 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; Philippians 2:3

 Live in peace with one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:13

We could spend pages looking at the import of each of these, and there are many more verses that instruct us how we should relate to one another, however here are four verses that I would like to focus on at this time:

1. Honour one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

When we honour one another we put others first. In a generation where very often we put ourselves first this is quite counter cultural. The worldly thinking of me, myself and I, could easily creep into the church and we need to guard against a “me” attitude. When we honour one another we are more likely to serve others not looking to be served, give to others, not worrying about how much we have or have not received. We will want to play our part in worship, mission, and the financing God’s work. This attitude of honouring one another, takes the focus off of ourselves and onto how we can honour God as we honour others.

2. Finally, all of you, be like-minded. 1 Peter 3:8

We are called to live in unity with each other, unity of purpose, of one accord. Being “like minded” does not mean to say that we are all clones; we are all unique, original creations in Christ. There is room for opinions that are different, however there is no room for opinions that divide. In Ephesians 4 we are told that we should “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”. Unity is a gift from the Holy Spirit, but we are to work hard to ensure that we keep this gift. There is a wonderful blessing from unity, let us do all that we can to live in harmony with one another.

3.Encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We are to encourage one another. Let us not be negative about each other, picking out our bad points, pointing out our mistakes. Let us ensure that we are quick to encourage, to praise, to say well done. That is not to say everything is perfect, we are also called to admonish one another. However, ask yourself, even in admonishment, is it my intention to build up and not to tear down, am I looking to see the other person succeed, and to grow in their discipleship and ministry. Let us encourage one another, building up, encouraging, stirring up to love and good deeds.

4. All the members care for each other. 1 Corinthians 12:25

We are called to care for one another. We are to bear one another’s burdens, be kind, comforting, and supporting those in need. This is not to be left to the few, the leaders or paid staff of the church, we are all called to care for one another. It is sometimes the little things that show others that you care, a text, or a phone call. Other times there might be more needed which will require time and sometimes money. We should be generous with the gifts that God has entrusted to us, including our time, so that we can show God’s love and care that we have received by God’s grace to one other.

To sum all of this up I can do no better than to quote Jesus when he said:

“I give you a new commandment – to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples – if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (NET)

As we love one another, we demonstrate to our community what it means to be a true community, filled with genuine love and care. As we show love to each other, this cannot but help but flow out to our friends, neighbours and communities. We will be actually redefining love!

As I finish let me relate just two stories from our Life Groups (our small group mid-week meetings). I have amended them very slightly to fit this public blog and blanked out the names to save embarrassment, but these are actual stories that have been sent to me by our church family members and are good illustrations of how we should love one another!

The Life Group supported me in prayer when my father was ill and prayed for his recovery which did happen. Also I have friends now that I can trust and that hold me accountable and I can see that I am not alone in the challenges I face.  God has shown me HIs love through the testimony of people’s lives in our group and this has been awesome.

I haven’t been well and have been off work.  However, during this time I have been blessed with the kindness and generosity of a few dear people whom I would like to thank.  Firstly, I would like to thank S for her phone calls, her offer to help with shopping etc. Not only that, but also taking time to visit me and pray with me.  Secondly, I would like to thank M who visited me on three occasions, cooked me meals and sat with me for long periods of time encouraging me and praying with me. I would also like to thank others, who kept a check to see how I was doing.  I thank God for these dear people and feel absolutely blessed to have such wonderful people in our church.