Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8200 The character of the believer  »  8207 commitment  »  8210 commitment, to God's people

Commitment to God means a commitment to his people. Believers are meant to be nourished and supported by the church, and to work towards its edification.

Commitment to the church

Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:3-4; Colossians 3:15

Paul uses the picture of the body to describe the interdependence of believers:

Romans 12:4-10; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Commitment to other Christians is an expression of love made known in Christ

John 13:34-35; Colossians 3:13-14; 1 Peter 1:22 See also John 15:12,17; Romans 12:10,16; Romans 13:8; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:32-5:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Thessalonians 4:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 John 3:11,23; John 4:7,21; John 5:2

Such commitment is expressed in mutual responsibility and concern

Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Peter 3:8 See also Romans 14:13; Romans 15:7,14; 1 Corinthians 1:10 Paul's concern for unity among believers; Ephesians 5:21; Colossians 3:13 the responsibility of believers to forgive one another; Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; James 4:11; 1 Peter 4:9; Peter 5:5

For its leaders, commitment to the church may prove a joy and a burden

Acts 20:28 Paul speaking to the elders of the church at Ephesus ; 2 Corinthians 11:28 See also Colossians 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-3

See also

5051  responsibility
7020  church, the
7140  people of God
7921  fellowship