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

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.

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, John 15:17; Romans 12:10, Romans 12:16, Romans 13:8; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:32–5:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 John 3:11, 1 John 3:23, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:21, 1 John 5:2

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.

Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.

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, Romans 15:14; 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, 1 Peter 5:5

Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.

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, 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13; 1 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1–3

Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.