Biblical Fellowship

Mark Lauterbach writes:

The reality of living in what the Gospel calls us to — in relationship with other believers in a local church with growing awareness of grace and sin, with growing exposure of my own pride and selfishness — all that spells “ouch” to me. Except that it is what God has designed for my good and his glory.

Candidly, the reason I find such intimacy difficult is that I prefer my comforts and self-deception to finding out the truth about myself before God. I am proud enough to think that the other person is the problem. I am proud enough to think that I know what I need in friends and I do not need them. I will surround myself with people of my own preference.

It is in the presence of another brother or sister that I am seen for what I am. And that is good. The Gospel begins with facing who I am. God uses his word and Spirit to show me that. Then he draws me into a community of fellow believers and uses them to continue to show me how amazing grace is to save someone like me.

(HT: Life Together Blog)