This is a good and important question, and the scriptures have much to say about it.  First, we should be faithful in our attendance, realizing the value of being with fellow believers. The Lord exhorts us in Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  As believers, we have been made part of the church, the body of Christ, and we need to realize our need of each other. 

In our coming together, we should desire to be helpful.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”  We should seek to comfort one another.  Whatever the situation others are going through, we should be ready with a word from the scriptures that will console and build up our fellow believers.  While human compassion is nice, it is the love and compassion of the Lord that we should share with others.  1 Peter 3:15 tells us to, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”  To be able to respond to others’ needs, we should ‘be ready’ by being able to share with others what the Lord has given to us. 

One major problem with the clerical system is that we too often depend upon one person, or a chosen group of people, to minister to our fellow Christians.  That really limits the work of the Holy Spirit to use whom He chooses to use to help others.  We should be prepared and be willing to be used of the Lord.  I think of the words of Isaiah when the Lord was looking for someone to send into service.  Isaiah told the Lord, “Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8).  We should be ready to answer the Lord’s call to service, whatever that may be.  It is so destructive when our attitude is, “Someone should do something.”  We should wait upon the Lord and be prepared for His direction into service.

Instead of trying to always get our own way, we need to be humble, putting others’ needs above our own.  “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5).  I recall hearing of an incident where a lady got very upset because someone was ‘sitting in her seat’ at her church service.  How terrible!  How damaging it is when we insist on having our own way simply because we feel we deserve some special favor.  Proverbs 18:19 says, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.”  When we act in pride, instead of humility, we can hurt others to such a degree they may go away and never return. 

Galatians 1:13 tells us to, “by love serve one another.”  We should exhibit the love of God to one another and seek to be of some service to our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We should keep our eyes and ears open so that we might know the needs of others, so we can serve them appropriately.   We should “Greet one another with an holy kiss.” (2 Corinthians 13:12).  Sometimes a warm Christian greeting can make a huge difference.  It tends to make a person feel loved and welcome. 

May we never be neglectful to “pray one for another.”  (James 5:16).  We cannot over-emphasize the importance and power of praying for each other.  Truly, the health of the local church largely depends of the prayers of the saints.  (When I mention saints, I am speaking of all believers because all believers are called saints…Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2).  We should pray for the Lord’s blessings, guidance, care, and instruction for each other.  “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.” (Romans 12:2).  I often ask myself, “If everyone behaved like I do, would the church be stronger or weaker?  (CC)  (720.4)