Page 27 - Digital Church in a Lonely World

Interpersonal Responsibility

Interpersonal responsibility describes a dynamic giving and receiving of our human qualities. I have
gifts, experiences and a unique spiritual fingerprint in my life that brings something special to a church
community. However, I have gaps. And the beauty of a church family is that my uniqueness blesses
others, and, in return, their uniqueness blesses and grows me.

Here are some interpersonal responsibilities from the New Testament that were bestowed upon every
member of a local church:

• Welcome guests warmly: Acts 21:17
• Live in harmony with each other: 1 Corinthians 1:10–14
• Be spiritual people: 1 Corinthians 3:1–4
• Work enthusiastically for the Lord: 1 Corinthians 15:58
• Love each other as brothers and sisters: Hebrews 13:1
• Provide food and clothing: James 2:14–16
• Acts of justice and compassion: 1 John 3:16–18

Let’s zoom in on the scripture from 1 John.

1 JOHN 3:16–18 (NLT)
16
We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So, we also ought to give up our
lives for our brothers and sisters.
17
If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no
compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
18
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

The scripture is written to brothers and sisters. It is written to believers within the Church who are
in relationships with one another. It calls us to give up our lives for each other! Acting in compassion,
meeting practical needs, helping each other grow in our faith. Can we really do all of that in an online
chat bar?

Let’s go a step further. 1 Corinthians 12:18 says, “But now God has set the members, each one of them,
in the body just as he pleased.”

This means that God has a hand in placing us within a local church. We are set exactly where it pleases
God, and therefore there is something about our spiritual fingerprint that is needed within our local
community.

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