|
“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NLT, second edition)
You are not the Body of Christ on your own. You need others to express that. Together, not separated, we are his Body.
A church family moves you out of self-centered isolation. The local church is the classroom for learning how to get along in God’s family. It is a lab for practicing unselfish, sympathetic love.
As a participating member, you learn to care about others and share the experiences of others: “If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part of our body is honored, all the other parts share its honor” (1 Corinthians 12:26 NCV).
Only in regular contact with ordinary, imperfect believers can we learn real fellowship and experience the New Testament truth of being connected and dependent on each other (Ephesians 4:16, Romans 12:4-5, Colossians 2:19, 1 Corinthians 12:25).
Biblical fellowship is being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ. God expects us to give our lives for each other. Many Christians who know John 3:16 are unaware of 1 John 3:16: “Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (NIV).
This is the kind of sacrificial love God expects you to show other believers — a willingness to love them in the same way Jesus loves you.
Talk It Over
- What kind of balance do you have between regular contact with the Body of Christ and time spent building relationships with non-believers?
- You probably won’t have to lay down your life for someone, but how can you show sacrificial love to other believers?
|
| Today’s Scripture |
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
(John 8:36, NIV) |
|
|
|
|
| Free Indeed |
Are you living in freedom today? So many people hear that God wants to set them free, but yet, they still walk around feeling defeated and carrying unnecessary burdens. But you don’t have to live that way when you embrace the freedom that Jesus paid for. You are set free from the bondage of sin, fear, lack, sickness, worry and cares.
Think about that for a minute. How would you feel if you never had to worry about money? God wants to set you free. How would you feel if you never had to be concerned about sickness? God wants to set you free. How would you feel if you never had fear? God wants to set you free! God has a plan for you to be “free indeed” in every area of your life. He wants to direct your steps on the path of life and give you pleasures forevermore. Accept His freedom and follow His path for you!
|
|
| A Prayer for Today |
|
“Father, thank You for Your plan to set me free. I release every burden and care to You today because I know You care for me. Help me to understand Your goodness and empower me to walk completely in You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
PS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmBcZeUPmSw |
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment