"ATTITUDES NEEDED" #3

ATTITUDES TOWARD FELLOW CHRISTIANS.

OUR FIRST ATTITUDE IN TODAY'S LESSON IS AN ATTITUDE OF GENUINE LOVE...
Jesus taught us the necessity of loving our brothers in John 13:34-35.
We have been 'born again' that we might love one another fervently and differently than the world loves. 1 Peter 1:22-23.
If we genuinely love one another, how can we not work together?

WE NEED CO-OPERATION.
This involves a purposeful willingness to work together, as God intended; 1 Corinthians 12:21.

We need to be able not only to work, but to work together!
Andrew Carnegie once said "It marks a big step in a man's development when he comes to realize that other men can be called on to help him do a better job than he can do alone." 
Where there is cooperation, a good way of doing things will be more productive than a better way of doing things where cooperation does not exist!

We also need to appreciate what others are doing according to God's Word; 1 Corinthians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13.
True appreciation for others will often eliminate destructive criticism, gossip, and divisiveness.
Expressing appreciation is like grease on the gears of a machine...it helps others do their work much better!
The Bible teaches we are also to submit to one another; Ephesians 5:21.

And we are to submit to those in positions of leadership such as the Elders and Evangelist. Hebrews 13:17.
Too many chiefs, not enough Indians...that is a common problem in many organizations, not only The Lord's Church!

We are also called to be at peace with all men. This is something that we should struggle to achieve as well; Romans 14:19.
It is part of walking worthy of our divine calling as Christians; Ephesians 4:1-3.

The true children of God are those who are peacemakers, and sow their deeds of righteousness in the atmosphere of peace; Matthew 5:9; James 3:17-18.

Christians are also to be hospitable; Romans 12:13.
This includes both hospitality to strangers and to those in The Church; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9.

One factor helping the rapid spread of the church in the first century was the hospitality extended by the Christians; 3 John 5-8.
We also see warmth, friendliness and an openness expressed by those in the church at Jerusalem; Acts 2:44-47.
This same attitude continued with the saints in Antioch; Acts 11:27-30.

Then we notice the Church exhibited gentleness and meekness as well.
This was and still is especially necessary when dealing with those who are spiritual weak or new to The Faith; Galatians 6:1.

But also when dealing with those who oppose The Lord's Church and His doctrine; 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

Last, but certainly not least, attitudes of forgiveness, forbearance, patience and longsuffering are most definitely needed.
These attitudes do overlap, and are very important; Ephesians 4:2,32.

These help to smooth out all the bumps and obstacles that Satan will often put in our way in his effort to destroy the local church.
Stay faithful and have a great attitude! See you next time...