Life in the Body

Memory verse: “In Christ, we who are many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:5)

As you and your church allow God to teach you how to effectively live as a body, you will see love and unity spring forth that you may not have experienced before. Effective body life begins when each individual is rightly related to God in an intimate love relationship. It continues as all members become rightly related to Jesus Christ as the Head of the church. Right relationships with God are far more important than buildings, budgets, programs, methods, church personnel, or size.

The Scriptures teach a church body how to be rightly related to one another. As you read the New Testament, you will find many instructions that speak specifi­cally to the way God’s people ought to live in relation to others. These guidelines are not in the Bible just for you to study, memorize, discuss, or debate. They are written so you can know how to experience abundant life in Christ. When you have doubts about how to apply a Scripture, take your concern to the Lord. His Spirit can help you understand spiritual truth.

Biblical principles for how the church is supposed to live as a body

  1. Be patient and accepting of those whose faith is weak or those who are immature. Don’t be quick to judge others in matters that are disputable – Romans 14:1, 12-13

  2. Don’t be selfish. Seek the good of others even at your own expense – 1 Corinthians 10:24

  3. Be absolutely truthful in all you say – Ephesians 4:25

  4. Don’t be critical and tear people down with your speech. Be an encourager. Build people up. Keep their needs in mind as you speak. Don’t focus your conversation on unwholesome subjects – Ephesians 4:49

  5. Get rid of anger, inside fighting, and slander. Don’t intentionally try to hurt another person (physically, emotionally, or spiritually). Forgive one another as Christ forgave you. Don’t let a root of bitterness remain between you and another. – Ephesians 4:31-32

  6. Encourage one another in your joint worship of God. Make music together – Ephesians 5:19-20

  7. Die to self daily and submit to one another. Do this in reverence for Christ, who submitted Himself to death on the cross for you – Ephesians 5:21

  8. Be patient with one another, even when you have been mistreated or offended. Forgive even the worst offenses as God does. Love one another – Colossians 3:13-14