Authentic church life requires authentic relationships.

Because the local church is made up of people, we must learn how to function properly in our relationships with one another.

Bible students sometimes refer to church relationships as “body life” or “interconnectedness.”

Whatever term you use, relationships with real people can be difficult.

How do we maintain love, unity, and fellowship in the church body through our relationships with one another?

1) Ephesians 4 gives us three core truths about a spiritual body of believers-three characteristics that we can see in the
relationships of growing Christians.

1. There is developing maturity (verse 14). As Christians mature in faith, they develop a hardiness that helps them hold fast to their faith in Christ during the trials of life and
times of confusion.

2. There is devotional growth (verse 15). As we grow in our love for God, we will also grow in our love for one another. We will be committed to lovingly speaking truth to one another as we mature in Christ.

3. There is demonstrated love (verse 16). A spiritual body of believers will work to edify and build up one another.