Comunidade
A comunidade cristã é essencial para o crescimento da fé. A Bíblia ensina que fomos criados para viver em comunhão — edificando-nos, encorajando-nos e servindo uns aos outros.
Viver em unidade
Os que creram eram um coração e uma alma. A comunidade primitiva partilhava tudo e vivia em harmonia e alegria.
32 Now the heart and soul of the multitude of believers was one: nor did any one call any of his possessions his own; but all things were common among them.
42 And they continued steadfast in the teaching, in the fellowship, in the breaking of the load, and in the prayers of the Apostles.
46 Moreover, they continued unanimously in the temple every day; and breaking bread from house to house, they partook of their food with joy and simplicity of heart,47 praising God, having favor with all the people: and the Lord daily added the saved to the congregation.
14 These all unanimously persevered in prayer, with the women, and with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
5 In the meantime, therefore, Peter was kept in the prison; but earnest and continued prayer was made to God on his account, by the congregation.
20 For wherever two or three are assembled in my name, I am in the midst of them.
Edificação mútua
Vivam em harmonia uns com os outros. Não haja divisões entre vós. A comunidade cresce quando cada membro contribui.
10 Now, brethren, I beseech you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no schisms among you; but that you be perfectly united in the same mind, and in the same judgment.
13 For, indeed, by one Spirit, we all have been immersed into one body; whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or freemen; and all have been made to drink of one Spirit.
4 For, as in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office;5 so we, the many, are one body under Christ, and individually members of one another.
16 Be of the same disposition toward one another. Do not care for high things; but accommodate yourselves to those which are humble. Be not wise in your own conceits.
1 Receive him who is weak in the faith, without regard to differences of opinions.
5 Now, may the God who gives patience and admonition, give to you mutual unity of sentiment, according to Christ Jesus.
17 Now, I beseech you, brethren, mark them who make separations and occasions of falling, contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them.
Amor e compromisso
Não deixemos de congregar. O vínculo perfeito é o amor — ele une a comunidade e produz frutos que duram.
24 And let us attentively consider one another, to excite to love and good works;25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.
14 And over all these put on love, which is a bond of perfection.
3 earnestly endeavoring to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the bond of peace.
8 Finally, be all of one mind, sympathizing, lovers of the brethren, tender-hearted, courteous-
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we, also, ought to love one another.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light; we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ the Son cleanses us from all sin.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bondman nor freeman, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.29 And if you are Christ's, certainly you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
3 Honor widows; who are really widows:
20 Most assuredly, I say to you, he that receives whomsoever I send, receives me; and he that receives me, receives him who sent me.