Friendship, Community & the Church

We are not meant to walk alone; God sets us in his family, the church, to love and build one another up. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. These verses call you into faithful friendship and shared life in the body of Christ.

Friendship — Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.

Unity — Psalms 133:1

See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!

The Church — Matthew 16:18

I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hadeswill not prevail against it.

Fellowship — Acts 2:42

They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.

Hospitality — Romans 12:13

contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.

Peacemaking — Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Encouragement — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.

Body of Christ — 1 Corinthians 12:27

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

Bearing One Another's Burdens — Galatians 6:2

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Iron Sharpens Iron — Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.

Do Not Forsake Gathering — Hebrews 10:25

not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.

Loving the Brethren — 1 John 4:20-21

If a man says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother.

Devoted to One Another — Romans 12:10

In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;