Reciprocity
study in the Chapterhouse
mutual faith
and relationships in the Church
Reciprocity is a real challenge, an uncharted territory nowadays. As Tim Maton (Everyday Church, Wimbledon) wisely commented:
"There are 59 specific "one another"
instructions in the Bible about how we're to relate to one another within the church community. The phrase "one another" is derived
from the Greek word allelon [al-el-on] which means to "one another, each other; mutually, reciprocally."
Let us now look at Scripture examples, without commentary.
Rm 14:19
.. let us pursue what makes
for peace and
for mutual upbuilding.
Simeon Peter, a slave and an apostle of Jesus Christ:
To those who have obtained a faith of equal privilege with ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
.. let us pursue what makes
for peace and
for mutual upbuilding.
Simeon Peter, a slave and an apostle of Jesus Christ:
To those who have obtained a faith of equal privilege with ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Partial knowledge
1Cor 13:9-10
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end.
I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end.
I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Partial functionality
Rm. 12:3-5
..by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
..by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Each other
Respect each other
2Cor 10:7
If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we.
If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we.
Love each other
John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give to You,
that you love one another:
Just as I have loved you,
you also are to love one another.
By this all people will know
that You are my disciples...
A new commandment I give to You,
that you love one another:
that You are my disciples...
- says Jesus the Christ.
Helping, caring each-other in the partiality
John 13:13-14
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet*. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet*. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
Notice: We have partial ability during the *journey, (our walking is not perfect either, but the dusty road also means dirty feet). So we must clean each-other's feet. They are surely getting dirty and dusty during our pilgrimage now, and here in this declining Earth.
It's a mutual need. It is a must. The foot washing is not simply a symbolism. It is Cause and Effect: Walking in the Earth means dirt, and the solution is the mutual dependency.
It's a mutual need. It is a must. The foot washing is not simply a symbolism. It is Cause and Effect: Walking in the Earth means dirt, and the solution is the mutual dependency.
Being honest before each other
Jms.5:16
Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Equalising unity
Phi 3:15
Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you.
My brothers, I myself am convinced about you that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. Nevertheless, I have written to remind you more boldly on some points because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus
Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you.
My brothers, I myself am convinced about you that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. Nevertheless, I have written to remind you more boldly on some points because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus
Remember this:
Love is essential to today's church. Believers follow leaders, but they do not simply follow "visionary leaders", rather they themselves have received the Holy Spirit too and see visions too. {Acts 2:17 (Based on the fulfillment of Joel 2:28)
We, together have the glorious inheritance!
We, together have the glorious inheritance!
Eph. 1:18
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,
the riches of his glorious inheritance
IN his holy people.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,
the riches of his glorious inheritance
IN his holy people.
HU ☆
