Photo: Erica Giraud – Unsplash

In an earlier post I introduced the concept of gospel culture – which is really just the application of the gospel into the whole life of God’s people.

But what might it look like, biblically? As I said previously, in one sense it’s simply God’s people living out Colossians 3-4, Galatians 5-6, Ephesians 4-6, large sections of the teaching of Jesus (for example Matthew 5-7, Matthew 18) and other similar passages.

Here are a few examples of specific ‘behaviours’ that might be exhibited in a church family that is living out the gospel:

  • Thankful for each other (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Colossians 1:3)
  • Honest, open, transparent – about our own weaknesses first (1 John 1:7, James 5:16)
  • Respectful of authority (Hebrews 13:17)
  • Honouring one another (Romans 12:10)
  • Encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25)
  • Speaking the truth in love to one another (Ephesians 4:15)
  • Quick to apologise (James 5:16)
  • Being quick to forgive (Colossians 3:13)
  • Thinking of others more highly than yourself (Philippians 2:3-5)
  • Dealing gently with each other (Philippians 4:5)
  • Dealing with issues biblically – including, where necessary, discipline in love (Matthew 18:15 onwards)
  • Committed to reconciliation and peace (Matthew 5:9, 5:24, Colossians 3:15)
  • Love! (Colossians 3:14)

Can you think of other examples of what gospel culture might look like from Scripture? Do write a comment – I’d love to hear from you.

Here are a couple of things to think about in response:

  • How does each of these aspects of gospel culture flow out of the gospel itself?
  • Which do you / your church family excel at, and which do you need to ask for God’s help with?