Two questions.

[Kura Ookami]

I have asked a few people in pms these qustions, but i thought I'd make a thread so the answers can help other christians if they have the same questions.

First how important is fellowship? God commands us to lean only on Him, "Love the LORD God with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul. This is the first and greatest commandment." So are christians supposed to join other christians in fellowship or to go it alone with Gods perfect help?

Second, how do we as christians treat those who would do us harm? Jesus commands us to "Do unto others as we would have them do unto us." So if someone treats us with cruelty what is the best thing for us to do in response to those people?

Bible verses for both questions wopuld be good too.

[Ratrace]

1 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching Hebews 10:25

2 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:28
If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 Luke 6:29
If someone forces you to go one mile go with him two miles Matthew 5:41
If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic Luke 6:29

[uc pseudonym]

You probably already more or less know what I'm going to say, but in case it might be helpful...

First how important is fellowship? God commands us to lean only on Him, "Love the LORD God with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul. This is the first and greatest commandment." So are christians supposed to join other christians in fellowship or to go it alone with Gods perfect help?

The problem with this is that we filter everything through our fallen human minds. There are those who were firmly convinced that God ordered them to bomb a building, kill schoolchildren, etc and we of course believe they were wrong. But trying to discern alone it is easy to deceive yourself into thinking that your subconscious desires are the voice of God and thus craft a god in your own image. Community helps us to remain balanced.

Second, how do we as christians treat those who would do us harm? Jesus commands us to "Do unto others as we would have them do unto us." So if someone treats us with cruelty what is the best thing for us to do in response to those people?

I hope this question doesn't become an arguing point, because I think there could be disagreements as to the answer. For now I'll try to avoid it by keeping simple: I agree with the verses that Ratrace posted; we are to respond with love above all.

[termyt]

First how important is fellowship? God commands us to lean only on Him, "Love the LORD God with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul. This is the first and greatest commandment." So are christians supposed to join other christians in fellowship or to go it alone with Gods perfect help?

Second, how do we as christians treat those who would do us harm? Jesus commands us to "Do unto others as we would have them do unto us." So if someone treats us with cruelty what is the best thing for us to do in response to those people?

Indeed, God's help is perfect. And if you are perfect in accepting that help, then all is good and well and the need for fellowship with others is reduced. Although, being social creatures, even the most hermit-like people need fellowship from time to time.

Even if you are perfect in your acceptance of help, know that not all people are such. And those who are not perfect in their acceptance need the fellowship of others to help them accept what is truly of God. So, once again the need for fellowship arises. Or can you be so perfect that you do not need to help others?

Second, how do we as christians treat those who would do us harm? Jesus commands us to "Do unto others as we would have them do unto us." So if someone treats us with cruelty what is the best thing for us to do in response to those people?

You have answered your question in your own question. Please note Christ said, "Do unto others as we would have them do unto us" and not, "Do unto others as they have done unto us."

Romans 12:19-21
"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (NRSV)

[Bobtheduck]

I have asked a few people in pms these qustions, but i thought I'd make a thread so the answers can help other christians if they have the same questions.

First how important is fellowship? God commands us to lean only on Him, "Love the LORD God with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul. This is the first and greatest commandment." So are christians supposed to join other christians in fellowship or to go it alone with Gods perfect help?

You're forgetting the second command EQUAL to the first, "Love your neighbor as yourself." which is immediately following that verse (when Jesus quotes it, that is.)

Fellowship is very important. There is no Christianity without fellowship...Plain and simple. Absolute Loner Christians are not Christians. You can't get closer to God by completely isolating yourself from believers, because loving God has to include loving your neighbor. God certainly doesn't call us to isolationism.

Numerous times in Acts, it talks of going out in two or three, and of the church doing everything TOGETHER. The early church even lived together... It was entirely communal, with a VOLUNTARY sharing of everything (I say voluntary, because that is what truly separates this from Communism)

This is why you don't base your beliefs entirely off one verse. If you take a verse out of context, you're asking for trouble.

[meboeck]

The other people have put in some very good input, but I'm going to offer some too. As for the first question, there are various reasons that fellowship is important. Along the lines of what UC said, we aren't always going to perfectly discern what we are hearing from God. In a community environment, God can use the wisdom of people around us to help point us in the right direction. Similarly, He can use our wisdom to aid others as well.

Another reason is accountability. It's sort of similar to the first because it hinges on us having a hard time following God's will on our own. You can tell God about everything you struggle with and ask Him for help, but it is still secret in a way. Talking to a person about your struggles brings it out from a human perspective.

[Kura Ookami]

Thanks for the answers. I hope they help other christians as well as me.