Acts 2:40-47, Acts 4:32, 1Peter 4:10, 1Corinthians 14:1, 1Corinthians 14:12, Romans 12:3-8; by using our gifts, we can fulfil this mission – we just have to discover our gifts and be freed to use them humbly, honestly and without fear.
Also, referring to my earlier note on supporting the widows, I think it’s valid to say that we should be prepared to, and actually, give up our lives for the sake of those we are in fellowship with. Jesus said John 15:13, and in 1John 3:16 we are encouraged to do the same. Indeed, I don’t believe that Jesus said that no-one was able to love as much as that, but rather to lay down one’s life for one’s friends is the greatest love that we can aspire to today.
Now that doesn’t inherently mean or require a physical death. It means that we give up our selfish lives and dedicate our every waking moment to serving, helping, supporting each other. Perhaps the idea is that if I give up my wants, then my brother will actually meet those wants (perhaps not in the way I expected!). And perhaps my real wants become changed or defined as I change my heart to an attitude of service. This could be achieved either by a total change in lifestyle – which I don’t recommend because it involves changing everything at once – or we can take little steps; kind of like Boots’ slogan for healthy living – ‘Change One Thing’ It’s a good idea. Maybe pick one thing, pray about it, and tell a friend to whom you remain accountable, and do that. Like, actually do it. Pick one thing, do it tomorrow and every day from that point onwards.
