11 09 07 One Another’s (Part IX)
Our Forever family

“So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.
I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:11 MESSAGE)

Many people feel as though being in church and being with fellow believers is not so important. We have all heard the saying, “I can worship the Lord wherever I am!” This is true and we should worship the Lord wherever we are; but that’s another topic! True, we can worship Him anywhere, but we can’t fellowship with believers just anywhere; we must be in one another’s presence! Corporate worship (Hebrews 10:25) is needed to keep one another encouraged, even more so as we see the Day approaching! It’s good to go out together as well, so the world can see Christians in everyday life. We don’t just sing and pray, we live and breathe and enjoy life: all to the glory of God! If we’re not enjoying the company of fellow believers, we need to start. If we are, we need to keep it up. It’s a good thing when we dwell together in harmony with one another! (Psalm 133)

“See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone,
but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:15 NET)

Or as the MESSAGE version reads in such plain English, “And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15 MESSAGE)

Just like in any family, we will get on one another’s nerves at times. But we must be careful not to react, but act in love and with Christ’ Spirit, always pursuing the good for one another, both as individuals and for our family, the Body of Christ. We cannot condone sin, but at the same time pursue one another and keep one another accountable. As we learn how important it is to be together, as family, we’ll come to regard the Body of Christ just as closely, if not closer, than our biological family. We must love the brotherhood! After all this is OUR FOREVER FAMILY.