How do you identify yourself? By your works? By your association? By your gender? By your ethnicity? By your faith? By your actions? We can be a combination of all of the above but mostly, we are identified by the characteristics we portray in our daily lives. On such grounds, how do you identify yourself? How do we identify ourselves as Christians?
The actions of Christians should be characterized by love, peace, joy, and other evidences that we are children of the Living God. Too many times, the church is seen as anything but loving. How are we to live with one another in this relationship called ‘The Church’? The New Testament gives us many instructions for getting along with other Christians.
Love one another (II Corinthians 13:11; I Thessalonians 3:12, 4:9; I Peter 1:22; 4:8; I John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11-12; II John 1:5)
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10 ESV).
Over and over, we are commanded to love one another in the Lord. The Bible does not instruct us to do anything that God does not empower us to do. Therefore, God expects, and has enabled, us to act as He instructs us to act. However, ‘love’ is defined differently by different people. What is ‘love’? Let us look at some of the ways in which we can show love to one another. [I Corinthians, which is sometimes called ‘the Love chapter’, is a concise snapshot concerning love and should also be considered along.
Forgive each other (I Corinthians 6:6-8; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all” (Romans 12:17 ESV).
Holding a grudge can sour much more than the attitude of the grudge-holder. It can ruin relationships, both human and heavenly, and it can fester into something much more destructive if left unaddressed. The Bible tells us to forgive one another as God has forgiven us (Matthew 6:14; Luke 6:37).
The actions of Christians should be characterized by love, peace, joy, and other evidences that we are children of the Living God.
The actions of Christians should be characterized by love, peace, joy, and other evidences that we are children of the Living God.
Don’t complain about others behind their back (James 4:11; 5:9)
The Bible instructs us to not grumble, or complain, against one another. Scripture has set forth the proper procedures for confronting a brother or sister (Matthew 18:14-17). It is much better to follow biblical instruction than to let a grievance grow in one’s heart. Serve each other (I Peter 4:9-10)
God has gifted each of us in order that we may serve Him. Often, we serve God by serving others, both within the church and outside of it.
Pray for each other (James 5:16)
I have often heard it said that it is impossible to remain angry with, or unforgiving toward, anyone for whom you are praying. The act of praying for someone is actually an act of love toward that person and dependence on the provisions of God.
Be humble and encouraging towards each other (Romans 12:15-16; I Corinthians 12:24-26; Ephesians 4:2, 5:21; I Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11, 15; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25; I Peter 5:5)
“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother” (Romans 14:13 ESV).
No one has all the answers; no one was saved because they were better than someone else. Salvation is by God’s grace; it is not earned or merited; therefore, we must be very careful with our attitude toward other Christians. The Bible tells us to view our brothers and sisters as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). We also know that pride is a terrible vice that can sour even the best of intentions (I John 2:16).
Conclusion
So, how do we get along with each other? The Bible tells us to love, forgive, serve, and encourage one another. It also tells us that we should pray for each other, not complain about each other, and be humble towards one another. For human beings that is a tall order to fill. On our own, we know we are bound to fail. Humans are naturally selfish and concerned with pleasing the self rather than serving others. However, as followers of Jesus Christ, we have been empowered by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, Who enables us to live as God wants us to live; exhibiting His love His way.
The apostle Paul addresses this very subject in Galatians, chapter five:
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do…And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:13-17, 24 ESV).
The best way, the only way, for Christians to get along with other Christians (and the rest of the world, for that matter), is to submit fully to the loving control of the Holy Spirit. When God is controlling our actions and attitudes, we can be assured that there will be unity among the body of Christ (I Peter 3:8).
Resources – The Holy Bible, English Standard Version “Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
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