Learning To Cultivate a Life in Common

In review of 1 Corinthians 1:10 it says, “You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common.”

Bottom Line:

Get along with each other. Learn to be considerate of each other, be of one thought and one purpose.

What this means to me:

I am to get along, agree and be in harmony with my fellow Christians, allowing no division or splits to take place. I am to be considerate and help cultivate a life in common, in which we are all of the same mind, completely united in our thoughts and purposes. Working well with others is not something that is taught very often. However, It is one of the most important skills to learn on the road to being happy. If I don’t work well with other people, I’m going to be unhappy much of my life. What I need to remember about learning to work with others is:. I must learn to cooperate with others. Epaphroditus was a man that the church in Philippi sent to Rome with a gift of financial support for Paul while he was in prison. Philippians 2:25 says, “I feel that I must send Epaphroditus — my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier — back to you. You sent him as your personal representative to help me in my need” (GWT). By calling Epaphroditus his brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, Paul was saying that life and ministry is a family, it’s a fellowship, and it’s a fight. The church is the family of God. I am brothers and sisters with the people I minister and worship with, and I should treat them as such. It’s also a fellowship, where I work and serve together with a common goal — the Great Commission. I’m also in the same fight with them against Satan, and we need to support and encourage each other. The best place to learn how to cooperate with others is in the church.. Next, I need to learn to be considerate. Paul is speaking of Epaphroditus again in Philippians 2:26 when he says, “He has been longing to see all of you and is troubled because you heard that he was sick.” Notice there are two examples of consideration. Paul is considerate of his co-worker’s homesickness, and Epaphroditus is considerate about the Philippians’ concern. This is a key to happiness! The more considerate I learn to be of other people’s needs, doubts, and fears, the happier I’ll be. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common” (MSG).By nature its not easy being a considerate person. I tend to think of myself first and not the needs of others. “Cultivating a life in common” takes work, and learning to get along and work well with others will take practice. Like a garden that requires cultivation to bear fruit, I’ll see how my effort bears the fruit of happiness and strong relationships.