If the church is truly the family of God, then our relationships with one another have been transformed. We are spiritual brothers and sisters.
Observations & Conclusions: The characteristics that lead to Division or Devotion?
- Solo or Harmony
- Apathetic or Sympathetic
- Exclusive or Inclusive
- Calloused or Compassionate
- Prideful or Humble
The decisions that lead to Division or Devotion?
- Retribution or Restitution
- Judgment or Entrustment
- Gossip or Gospel
- Peace-breaker or peacemaker
Application:
- Find your harmony
- Put your heart in your relationships
- Participate in welcoming the family
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
1 Corinthians 12:26
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”
Philippians 2:17-18; 4:14
“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.”
Hebrews 13:3
“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
1 Peter 1:22-23
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”
Romans 16:16
“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.”
1 Corinthians 16:20
“All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
2 Corinthians 13:12
“Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
1 Peter 5:14
“Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
Philippians 2:14-15
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Psalm 34:11-12
“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days…”
1 Peter 2:22-23
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
Romans 12:14
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
Matthew 5:44-45a
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Romans 12:10a
“Be devoted to one another in love.”