1 Peter-Lesson 6 (A Sue Edwards Inductive Study)

When I think of the church family and fellow believers, I think the thing that is missing most in them these days is unity.  It's so much easier to hold grudges or to gossip than it is to fix what needs fixing and continue on with the Lord's work.  But when it think about what causes the disunity within the church, I can sum it up with pride.  Most of the reason that churches split is because of pride: no one wants to give in and forget traditions or "ways we've always done it" but the heavenly focus is lost and is put on the earthly things that will pass.

So how do we express sibling love in our faith family?  After exploring a few verses, here's how.

Romans 12:10-Love with genuine affection and delight in honoring others--hospitality, taking food to someone

Romans 15:7-Accept others--quirks and all!

Romans 16:16-Greet in Christian love.

Galatians 5:13-Serve one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2-Be humble, gentle, patient, and make allowance for each other's faults.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-Encourage each other and build each other up.

Does this mean we are not to judge?  No!  In 1 Corinthians, the Bible clearly states that we ARE to judge those within the church when they are not representing Christ, but we are not to judge those outside of the church (those who don't believe) because God will judge them.  But it also means that we need to remember that we will all fall and no one is perfect.  However, if they have a heart for God then encourage them, accept them, hold them accountable.  This heart may just need a little maturing to understand what unity is all about.  When there is unity, God's message spreads like a wildfire because everyone is working together. 

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I received this Bible Study from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.