Chapter Four – Bringing Others With You God calls us to fellowship on earth, which is a picture of how we will fellowship in heaven. We can't carry out the gospel's purpose by ourselves, so he calls us to become more united. Serving God means helping everyone around us, even those who are hurt, broken, or don't have a voice. The hope and glory of Christ are what bind us together. We can see each other as children of the Most High. Romans 15:5-7 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may, with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. In Enduring God's Word commentary, verses 5-6 state that our God is patient, even though we are always in a hurry and work slowly. His delays are not rejections; instead, they are part of His loving plan. We love that God is patient with His people, but we don't always like that He is patient with His plan. The goal is to glorify God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ by having one mind and one mouth, promoting unity in our thinking and speech. Christians shouldn't let disagreements about things that aren't clear-cut separate them, especially between Jews and Gentiles. Instead, we should receive each other with the same kind of kindness that Christ showed us, knowing our flaws but forgiving them.(1) Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Jesus meets believers in one another to stir up love and good works, as discouragement often leads them to avoid community when they need it most. The wording of "stirring up" is strong, suggesting that loving one another will not just happen. Love, as described in the New Testament, requires stimulation and society and can only be practiced in a community. Forsaking fellowship can lead to discouragement, as God's people are not encouraging one another. Christians should gather to receive something from God, give something to God, encourage each other by their shared faith and values, bless one another, and work together. Christians must be aware of the dangers that work against their gathering, such as schism, persecution, heresy, idolatry, and Antichristiansim.(2) I often think of the year the churches, businesses, and functions were closed because of Covid. Sometimes, the good that came from being isolated made us appreciate all the things we couldn't do anymore. However, there were also some cases where people chose to stay isolated from one another. When the churches opened back up even today, the attendance was not what it was before COVID-19. In looking at both of these verses and commentaries, one can see that by isolating ourselves, we have no encouragement, unity or a check and balance of our actions. God knew this about us, which is why His Word has expressed the importance of unity. We need each other. I am so thankful I have you! 1 https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/romans-15/ 2 https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/hebrews-10/