How can we be ” Good Church Members?” I hear people described as “good church members” all the time. But what exactly does that mean?

For a church to be successful and faithful in following Jesus, it must have a Biblical message with Christ at the center and an emphasis on evangelism and outreach. But it must also have “good members” whose lives match the testimony they give. Here are some characteristics of a “good church member.”

GOOD CHURCH MEMBERS ARE LOVING.
Jesus told His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34–35)  True fellowship in Christ involves loving with a selfless desire for the good of others.

GOOD CHURCH MEMBERS ARE CARING
In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul compared individual believers to the parts of the human body and said:

1 Corinthians 12:25–26 “…there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Caring will include things like praying for one another, visiting the lonely, ministering to the sick, comforting the bereaved. Through these activities, we “bear one another’s burdens.” Wouldn’t it be great if every member of the church felt cared for?

GOOD CHURCH MEMBERS ARE FORGIVING.
This is an important element of Christian fellowship. Believers in Christ should be ready at all times to forgive those who have wronged them. Forgiveness is desirable in all relationships, but we need to place a special emphasis on it within the circle of believers. An unforgiving attitude can kill the spirit of the church and stunt its growth.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Everything we do as Christians should be in response to know God has forgiven us for Jesus’ sake.

GOOD CHURCH MEMBERS ARE FORBEARING.
We should patiently make allowances for the weaknesses of others. Irritability and impatience are out of character for the Christian.

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

There will be those members who like to be in the limelight, those that are overbearing, those that always need a pat on the back, and those that wear their feelings on their sleeves. Rather than losing patience with them, mature Christians (good church members) will help them overcome their weaknesses.

GOOD CHURCH MEMBERS ARE SUBMISSIVE.
People are quick to quote the passage about wives being submissive to their husbands and often do so out of context. But they fail to note the preceding verse:

Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

There is always a proper line of authority to follow, whether it be in the church, at home, at school or on the job, Members of the church submit themselves to each other for the sake of Jesus. The key to this mutual submission is humility. No one, regardless of his or her position, should think that they are above receiving advice. Whatever a person’s authority may be, he or she should show a spirit of humility, a willingness to submit graciously, and an openness to wise counsel.

Knowing what God has done for us in Christ, we should all strive to respond by being “Good Church Members.”