In our Bible discussion tonight we looked at what the church is supposed to look like, especially when it comes to love. Love is the defining action of a church (see John 13:34-35), and it’s true that more people leave a church because of a breakdown in relationships than because of disagreements over doctrine. We need to learn how to love and forgive, for our witness rests on our effectiveness in love.
Jesus demonstrated love and forgiveness to His disciples, especially when washing their feet. (John 13) He gave clear instructions about forgiveness (Matt 18) and about how to deal with problems with other believers. The church has to deal with three areas of ministry: God, other believers and the world, and it’s crucial we learn to love each other well (speaking the truth in love without putting people down or gossiping and helping each other in practical ways, as John urges us to.)
Christ’s love must be our compelling force (see 2 Cor 5:14-15), the motivation behind all our actions and service. Love must be sincere (Rom 12:9-10) and is our duty and obligation (Rom 13:8-10). We need to do all we can to remain in unity and to love and forgive so that we can be spiritually strong.
