Quality Time with Other Christians 

The Act 2 Model

Acts 2:42–47 (NIV)

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 

Scripture References

Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV) 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV) 

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 

Learning to be Open and Real with Other Christians

It takes effort and ongoing fellowship to develop genuine accountability. Though sometimes challenging, developing accountability relationships has incredible benefits. 

We need trusted friends who know us, love us, and help us deal well with our secrets, our weaknesses, and our life challenges. 

Scripture References

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) 

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. 

James 5:16 (ESV) 

Therefore, 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. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (ESV) 

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 

Learning to Deal with the Good and the Bad

All of us, at one time or another, have been significantly wounded, offended, inconvenienced, betrayed, abandoned, rejected, mistreated, and disappointed. The consequences of others’ hurtful behavior and words often have far-reaching and ongoing impacts on our lives. Nevertheless, as Christians, we are commanded to forgive. 

Forgiving people for what they have done is often very difficult. Forgiveness involves turning over to God the person who hurt us and what they did (or didn’t do). It involves handing over to God the “cases” we have built against other people. It involves trusting God with our pain.  

Learning to forgive is necessary for us to grow in our relationship with Jesus and to develop healthy relationships with other people. A healthy habit of forgiving people is perhaps the most difficult of healthy habits to cultivate. But, the freedom it produces is well worth it.

Someone once said, “When we refuse to forgive someone, it’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” 

“A refusal to forgive means that God stands back and lets you cope with your problems in your own strength.” R.T. Kendall (Total Forgiveness)

Scripture References

Ephesians 4:31–32 (ESV) 

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 

Luke 6:37 (NIV) 

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 

Matthew 18:21–22 (NIV 84) 

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive someone who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”  

Luke 6:28 (NIV) 

...Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 

How to Go about Forgiving

It’s not always easy, but it is simple. 

Ask God: “Who do I need to forgive?” 

Ask God to give you strength to choose to forgive them for what they have done (or failed to do). 

Then, choose to forgive and release them for what they have done. Just do it!