In His Steps Aug. 23

In His Steps: Week 4 Intentional Presence “The Christian, however, must bear the burden of a brother. He must suffer and endure the brother. It is only when he is a burden that another person is really a brother and not merely an object to be manipulated.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community (1 Thessalonians 2:8) We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.

If you want to have relationships like God: 1. Be the first to commit.

(1 John 4:19) We love each other because he loved us first.

(Romans 15:7) Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

(1 John 4:21) And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.

2. Build relationships on grace not personal gain.

(Colossians 3:13–14) Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

(Romans 12:10) Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

(Romans 12:16) Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

3. Make the effort to maintain relationships.

(Ephesians 4:3–4) Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

(Romans 14:13) So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

4. When things go wrong, seek peace.

(Colossians 3:15) And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

5. When things go well, celebrate with people.

(2 Thessalonians 1:3) Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.

(Ephesians 1:15-16) Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, 16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 6. Be there when people need you.

(Galatians 6:2) Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

(1 Peter 1:22) You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.

(1 John 3:16) We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.

7. Seek unity around the right things.

(1 Corinthians 1:10) I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

8. Make the effort and take the step you know you should take.

(Romans 15:14) I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them.

(John 13:35) Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.