How should I start? hmm... after what has happened so far after meeting a bunch of different ppl, I experienced many things that made me happy and have a warm feeling. But the most important lessons I learnt weren't from the meetings but from a well known book titled: "Purpose Driven Life". In the book it stated somethings I believe that I must share with others. Others who do not know exactly what they are looking for in a life of Christainity...
1. Focus on what we have in common not our differences.
what here it is trying to say and what I would like to empathize on is that we can't put our natural personalities in everything. What one good point I would like to state is that: As believers we must share on Lord, one body of faith, one purpose, one Father, one Spirit, and one love. Why is this so important is b/c if we don't think as a "whole-one" nothing would work. We must share the same salvation, the same life, and the same future when we are together in "fellowship". It can't be taken apart...it just wouldn't make sense if you know what I mean!
2. Be realistic in your expectations of others.
Everyone hopes for the best of best of the "fellowship", but that can't happen all the time... you believe that everyone would be perfect but it just can't. You can never find a Perfect, yes I mean perfect fellowship anywhere in the whole world! I mean settling for teh real deal w/o striving for the ideal is complacency. Maturity is living with the tension. Yes, other believers will disappoint you and let you down, but that's no excuse to stop fellowshiping w/ them. They are your family, even when they don't act like it at that particular moment; You just can't walk out on them, that is just not right!
You know divorcing the church at the first sign of disappointment/disillusionment is a mark of immaturity. God has things he wants to teach you, and others too. Besides there are no perfect church to escape to if you know what I mean. You know every church has its own set of weaknesses and problems. You'll soon be disappointed again anyways.
3. Choose to encourage rather than criticize.
The most important point here is that: God warns us over and over and over again not to criticize your fellow members. It will not solve the problems and its just a waste of effort and energy just doing it. Also it is not a good idea to compare either or even judge others on things. "What right do you have to criticize someone else's servant? ONLY their Lord can decide if they are doing right" (Romans 14:4)
Instead of criticizing we should take the BIBLE and do what it says : "Let's agree to use our all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding faults." (Romans 14:10)
4. Refuse to listen to gossip.
Listening to gossip is like accepting stolen property, and it makes you just as guilty of the crime that happened! If you listen to gossip, God says you are a troublemaker. "Troublemakers listen to troublemakers." (Proverbs 17:4) "These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves." (Jude 1:19)
The fastest way to end a church/small group conflict is to lovingly confront those who are gossiping and insist they stop it. Solomon points out "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." (Proverbs 26:20)
So, as stated in the 4 points above, these are the main points to keep in mind always! Never forget who you are and who you are with! Fellowship must remain true to itself and loving 100% of each other (full support!)
COOL!
