North End Church of Christ

Many difficulties arise between brethren because they do not know what the Scriptures teach regarding relationships with one another. Offenses come, and rather than deal with our brother, we usually go to someone else and discuss it. This always creates more problems. Please take the time to read the following item and it will help us all to resolve differences. This item is taken from the Karns Kourier, Knoxville, Tn.

TWELVE EXCELLENT RULES TO PROMOTE HARMONY AMONG CHURCH MEMBERS:

1] Remember that we are all subject to failings of one kind or another.
2] Bear with one another and not magnify each other’s infirmities. (Gal. 6:1,2)
3] Pray for one another publicly and privately. (James 5:16)
4] Avoid going from house to house for the purpose of gossiping and interfering with
other people’s business.
5] Always turn a deaf ear to any slanderous report and lay no charge against any person
until well founded.
6] If a member be in fault, go to him in private, before it is mentioned to others. (Mt. 18)
7] Put the best construction on any action that has the appearance of opposition or
resentment.
8] Observe Solomon’s advice to leave off contention before it explodes. (Prov. 17:14)
9] If a member has offended you, consider how Godlike it is to forgive, and how unlike a
Christian it is to seek revenge.
10] Remember that it is a major tactic of the devil to promote distance and animosities
among members of the church; we should therefore watch against everything that
furthers this end.
11] Consider how much more good we could do in the world in general and in the church
in particular, if we are united instead of divided.
12] Lastly, consider soberly the impassioned prayer of Jesus, “that they may all be one.”
(John 17:21-23)