Monday, January 27, 2025
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
Intergenerational Relationships and Biblical Community
Yesterday, Pastor Jim preached on our third core value at NSBC – Intergenerational Relationships.
Our First Core Value is Authentic Worship
Our Second Core Value is Biblical Authority
Our third Core Value is… Intergenerational Relationships - We value spiritually maturing, redemptive relationships purposely working together to build biblical community across multiple generations. (1 Cor. 12:12-27; 2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 4:3,13,32; Phil. 2:1-11; Col. 3:14)
Most churches have multiple generations in their congregations. The fact that there are already multiple generations in the church makes it more probable that their paths will cross. They will end up in Bible studies together, choir, or serving together, or sharing a meal at the same table on Wednesday evening. These connections can lead to even deeper relationships such as mentoring or discipleship.
When different generations spend time together in Bible study they begin to see beyond their own circumstances. So often we have a difficult time seeing beyond ourselves. As we fellowship together, study the word together, and share prayer requests, we begin to take our eyes off ourselves and look to others with compassion.
Seeing each other through the eyes of Christ leads to serving each other in the compassion of Christ. An older lady in a Bible study may feel led to give a younger mom a break. A younger person may help the older generations in many ways. Becoming aware of needs and following through in obedience is a sign of growth and spiritual maturity.
How do we cultivate healthy intergenerational relationships to build biblical community?
It is a great thing for different generations to be together. We have so much to learn from each other. Of course, the younger generations can learn from the wisdom of the older generations. But the older generations can also learn from the younger ones. We can build biblical community by embracing these opportunities to build relationships with others of different generations. Learning together and from each other, praying for one another and serving each other cultivates these relationships and builds biblical community.
Step out of your comfort zone and find a Bible study or place to serve where there will be other generations. You will be blessed by who God puts in your life when you are open and surrendered.
The greatest key to building any relationship is getting ourselves and our own desires out of the way. When we spend time with others in worship who are different than us, we must set ourselves aside. If we cannot see past our own desires, we will not be able to fully and completely worship God. As we all set ourselves aside and focus on God and giving him the worship he is worthy of, we will be unified – of one mind. And the God of love and peace will be with you.