Dr. Larry Crabb in the book The Safest Place on Earth makes this observation:
     “Spiritual communities [local churches]…understand that the presence of conflict does not
     define unspiritual community, just as the absence of conflict is no proof of spiritual community.
     The difference between spiritual and unspiritual community is not whether conflict exists, but
     rather in our attitude toward it and our approach to handling it. When conflict is seen as an
     opportunity to draw more fully on spiritual resources, we have the makings of spiritual
     community…As long as our core passion is self-actualization, the satisfaction of our needs and
     the realization of our potential and insulation against further hurt, conflict will lie in waiting.
     When our agendas directly compete with someone else’s self-occupied agendas, conflict will
     erupt.” Pp. 40 & 53.
This morning as we continue looking at the New Testament One Anothers, we will be reminded of
the responsibilities we have toward each other in the Body of Christ, as well as the attitudes we
should maintain toward each other. As we examine the need to bear with one another, we will be
confronted face to face with some of the crucial elements that indeed make the Body of Christ, the
Church, distinct and unique from the world.