Having close spiritual friendships isn’t just a nice idea: it’s essential for followers of Jesus. We need to give and receive God-focused, faith-building encouragement to avoid being hardened by sin’s deceitfulness and to persevere with Christ to the end (Hebrews 3:12-14). Are you in a small fellowship of faithful Christian friends who love and challenge each other like that?
God calls us to a rich body life in which we bless “one another”:
- Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
- Show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)
- Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
- Be subject to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
- Bear with one another (Ephesians 4:2)
- Forgive one another (Colossians 3:13)
- Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)
- Pray for one another (James 5:16)
- Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
- Confront one another (Colossians 3:16)
- Comfort one another (2 Corinthians 13:11)
- Stir one another up (Hebrews 10:24)
- Be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32)
- Honor one another (Romans 12:10)
- Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
- Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
- Love one another (Romans 13:8)
Remember, “one another” means reciprocal care—giving and receiving support. And you can’t experience that kind of necessary mutual ministry in a large-group worship gathering. What’s more, you can’t experience this vital spiritual give-and-take by listening to first-rate Christian podcasts or reading great books or even by poring over Scripture for hours on end. You need to open your heart with your brothers and sisters in Jesus: We need small groups.
