31. MAN’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS FELLOW MAN
First, we must realize that we are a family—we all have the same roots. As a family we need to live in peace with one another as much as is possible, as amplified in the last six of the Ten Commandments. Jesus Christ gave us the principal discipline that would make it possible to live in peace with our fellowman. He said to love our fellowman as ourselves, and gave specific instructions for settling problems with our fellowman. Scripture urges us to consider the needs of others, and offer help to those in need when possible.

Exodus 20:12–17, Deuteronomy 22:1–4
Matthew 18:15–17, 22:39, 25:34–40, Philippians 2:2–4
Luke 10:29–37, Hebrews 12:14, James 2:8

32. THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY
The marriage relationship is the basis of the family, which in turn is the core of a stable society. As the primary physical analogy of God’s plan for mankind, marriage, child rearing, and the family are given a preeminent place in the teachings of the Bible and the church. Although roles are defined, men and women have equal spiritual potential before God.

Exodus 20:12, Malachi 4:5–6
Ephesians 5:22–29, 6:1–3, 1 Peter 3:7

33. HEALING
Divine healing is a miracle that God in His mercy and love may extend to those who call upon Him in time of need, according to faith. The healings of Jesus Christ demonstrate and represent His power to express compassion, to forgive sin, and ultimately, to resurrect the dead and establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

Matthew 9:1–7, James 5:14–15

34. THE CHURCH OF GOD
The church is the spiritual body of Christ, a group of persons called out by God and impregnated with His Holy Spirit. As a spiritual body, the church is made up of baptized, Spirit-led individuals who are scattered around the world.

1 Corinthians 12:12–14, 27, Colossians 3:15

35. THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
The church has a mandate to continue with the witness and message of Jesus Christ initiated through His life, teachings, and sacrifice for every person and all nations. This will be accomplished by the resources available to the “body of Christ” and furthered through the spiritual gifts bestowed by our Heavenly Father. As the “body” consists of individual members, it is each person’s privilege to follow the Savior and “repent…and believe the good news.” Living as new creatures in Christ, it then becomes evident that a devoted membership will carry on the work begun by Jesus to announce “in all the world” that the “Kingdom of God is at hand.” Furthermore, Christ’s promise of vitality to His church for all ages will be evident in the love of each member for their “brothers and sisters in the faith,” and their fellow man, regardless of gender, race, or social status. Through spiritual design, the body of Christ will extend beyond a local community as members support one another, taking care of their “own,” visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and keeping themselves unspotted from the world.

Matthew 28:19–20, Mark 1:15, 16:15–16, Acts 1:7–8
Matthew 16:18–19, Luke 24:44–47, Luke 4:18–19