"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10)

God has called us into a special relationship with other believers, and He uses us in each other's lives as we live this #invitinglife.

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In 1 Peter 2:16-17 we read: "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor." This gives us a glimpse into the special relationship we have with fellow believers.

As fellow believers, we meet each other's needs (see Acts 2:42-47 and 1 Corinthians 12:12–26).

Our family in Christ is vital to us for accountability (see Jeremiah 17:9, Mark 7:21-23, and Jude 22-23).

The heart is deceitful above all things! We need loving brothers and sisters to speak truth to us when we are deluding ourselves into thinking we are all right. It's important to remember as we challenge one another, we must have a right heart - one of brotherhood and humility. Matthew 5 is a powerful illustration as we're challenged, before "helping" our brother with a speck in his eye, to remove the log in our own.

Jude tells us to have mercy on those who doubt.

Paul set a pattern for accountability with his letters to the church, both in how he challenged his brothers and in how he challenged the church (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus).

We learn from each other in our believing family.

We should seek out "Titus 2" relationships with older and younger sisters, being poured into and investing in others as we grow (see also Hebrews 10:24-25).

In a lonely world, we need fellowship with others who can encourage us (see Ephesians 2:19-22).

1 Corinthians 12 reminds us: "But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."

In a dark world, we need encouragement and reminders of the Truth.

We are commanded to gather for teaching of the Word by appointed elders, for good reason: we need it.

We're also called to gather for worship (not just in small groups but at a local church); it uplifts our hearts, points us toward our Savior, and again, reminds us of truth we so easily forget (see 2 Timothy 4:2-5 also).

"If Jesus had to be careful about those He allowed to get close to Him, we must be careful, too. We need to seek out those who share our faith and our love for the Lord, remembering that "we are the temple of the living God" (see 2 Corinthians 6:14–16). - Got Questions (source)

Related episodes:

Hard Hospitality: Responding to "Pride" With Humility

How Do You Identify? (episode 33)

Ask Good Questions - Invite Genuine Community (episode 20)

Refine Your Focus: Pursue Community in Truth and Love (episode 21)

The Gift of Desperation and Community with Kera Freeman (episode 19)

When We Feel Afraid, But God is Bigger with Kim Russo (episode 7)

What Are You Looking At? - How Do We View Our Lost Neighbors? (episode 34)

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