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How Does Jesus Want Us to Act Toward the Church, by Pastor Charlie Handren

By Anonymous
     Last week we briefly considered what Jesus sees when he sees the church, and drew the conclusion that if we could see the church as he sees her, we act as we ought to act toward her. But as we grow in the proper sight of the church, how does Jesus want us to act toward her? Probably the best way to answer this question is to ponder the many “one another” commands of the New Testament. In this brief devotional, let me just highlight a few of them.
     First, Jesus’ primary command about his Bride is this: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). And again, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Even as our Lord and Savior laid down his life for us, he calls on us to be like him and lay down our lives for each other.
     Second, Jesus then commands us to spend time with each other. To share in life together. To “do life” with one another. Carefully ponder these commands: “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Beloved, I don’t know how Jesus could have made his heart any clearer: as we see what he sees in the church, we’re to give ourselves to the church, that is, to one another. We’re to make fellowship a priority.
     Finally, when we get together, the Lord has a host of counsel for how we ought to act. “Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16). “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer” (Romans 14:13). “I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another” (Romans 15:14). “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (Romans 16:16). “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (1 Corinthians 12:24-26). “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11). “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:1-2).
     There are many more commands, but these will suffice for now! Beloved, let us see what Jesus sees in the church and then engage in life together.


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