FOUR STEPS TO DEVELOPI G BETTER RELATIO SHIPS WITH BRETHRE Introduction Ephesians 3:14,15; l Peter l:22 It is important to develop

p good relationships between our brethren in Christ. In this lesson we will discuss four steps we can take to build and maintain better attitudes and relationships with one another in the household of God. I. Develop A Greater Love For God A. You feel for parents who grieve over their quarrelsome children. 1. It seems that the children would have enough love and respect for their parents to try to get along to bring joy to their parents. 2. God is not happy when His children are quarreling within His family. Those who have a love for God will learn to get along. B. I John 4:7-11 Notice the love shown to us that we show. 1. vs.19 We ought to love others as well as love God! 2. vs.20-5:1 - If you love God who begets, then you love those who are begotten of God! C. I John 5:2 - Love goes in all directions: 1. If two individuals love God, then they will love one another. But if there is a breakdown between man and God then there will be a breakdown between brother and brother. 2. Or if there is a breakdown between brethren, then you can be sure that one or other (or both) do not love God as they should. 3. If we want to build better relationships with one another, we just need develop a greater love for God. 4. How much do you love God? How much you love God, in many ways, is shown by how much you love your brethren. II. Develop A Positive Attitude Towards Brethren A. It is easy to become negative towards someone. 1. The better and longer we know one another, the greater the possibilities are for disappointment. 2. It is possible to develop a completely negative attitude towards a person to where we see only his or her faults. B. On the other hand, it is easy to have a totally positive attitude towards someone else; to where we see nothing bad in them. We become partial. 1. What we need to do is have a positive attitude towards everyone. 2. This doesnt mean that we overlook their faults or weaknesses. C. We should believe the best in others. I Corinthians 13:4-7 1. Note vs. 7 Love leads us to believe in others - to magnify their good qualities and put the best possible construction on their actions. 2. Philippians 2:3,4 This is the attitude the Lord wants to us to have towards one another. III. Develop A "Togetherness Spirit". A. We draw closer to people by doing things together: singing, praying, working, laughing, crying, sacrificing, standing for truth.

1. Notice: Acts 2:44-47; 4:23-24a, 31-35; 8:2; 12:5, etc. 2. They had this spirit. It is no wonder that the 1st century Christians were a closely knit group of people. Colossians 2:1-2 B. It is disturbing when members of a congregation talk about "what they're doing" or "what you all are doing". But if a church is what it ought to be it is NOT "THEY", but "WE"! 1. Every member must come to feel part of that "we" spirit. If one suffers, sorrow, rejoices. Romans 12:5,15 2. The decisions that are made are "WE" decisions! 3. Our accomplishments are "WE"; not just yours or mine, but we work together as a team! 4. When we have setbacks; it's "WE". We are a family! 5. If I'm not a part of that "WE" spirit, then I need to ste p out of the fringes and become more actively involved. C. It requires certain things on our part to develop this: 1. We must push aside our timidity. There may be a fear of rejection that causes some to be afraid from stepping in. 2. We must cast aside selfishness. Instead of doing what I want to do, I need to do things with and for my brethren, even if it's no more than a visit to get better acquainted. 3. We must show greater hospitality. This means opening our doors and spending time with others, (We can become so isolated...) 4. We must rid ourselves of any negative attitudes, (See previous pt.) IV. Develop A Forgiving Spirit A. Luke 15:11-32 - not everyone was glad about this boys return. vs.25f We see where bad relations existed between two sons, but why? 1. It was not because of the younger son; he had come home. 2. It was the older son's problem. Two things made for bad relations: a) H e d i d n ' t h a ve a s e n se o f h i s o wn u n wo r t h in e s s; t h o u g h t t o o highly of himself vs.29 . b) He also had "an unforgiving spirit. He was not willing to forgive his brother and receive him back. B. If we want good relations to exist between brethren, we must have a forgiving spirit towards those who seek our forgiveness and recognize our own unworthiness. 1. We are to forgive and show mercy to others if we expect God to forgive and show mercy to us. Matt. 6:14,15; James 2:13 2. This is the spirit of the Christian. Eph. 4:32; Col. 2:12-13 C. I John 4:9-11 - If God can love me after all the things that I have done against Him; then surely I can love my brethren who have done nothing against me in comparison to what I have done against God. Conclusion John 13:34-35 There is always room for another to be knit in that wea ve and be a part of the tie that binds us in Christ and to one another in the family of God.