What does a church do? One way we could answer this question is by observing churches in action. This might lead us to conclude that churches have lots of meetings and potluck suppers. Observing other churches may convince you that churches advocate for social reform and are politically engaged.

When we look to the Scriptures to reveal what the church does we may be surprised. Many things that we assume a church should be doing are absent. It may also be that many of the things the Bible says we should be doing as a church are not being done.

Here is a list of things the New Testament says we are to do, or not do, for one another in the Church:

• Be at peace with one another, forgiving, agreeing, humble, accepting, forbearing, living in harmony, and greeting one another with a kiss.
• Do not judge, lie, or grumble to one another.
• Show hospitality to one another.
• Be kind, concerned devoted, serving, and doing good to one another.
• Instruct and teach one another.
• Admonish, exhort, and stir up one another.
• Comfort and encourage one another.

Questions to Consider:

1. Which of these do you think you as an individual are good at and not so good at?
2. Which of these do you think you as a church are good at and not so good at?
3. What stops you from doing more “one anothering”?

Scripture References:

Mark 9:50; John 13:34-35; Romans 12:10, 16; 14:13; 15:5, 7, 14; 16:16; 1 Corinthians 12:15; 2 Corinthians 13:11-12; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:2, 32; 5:19, 21; Colossians 3:9, 13, 16; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11, 15; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25; James 5:9, 16; 1 Peter 4:8-10; 5:5, 14.