At times this is not an easy thing to do. We are prone to being self consumed with our own lives, problems and needs. However God is calling us to take upon ourselves some of the problems and needs of other people. Actually if the truth be known, when we do this it really is the key to a better and happier way of life.
The Bible gives to us 21 different ways that I have found that we can love one another:
- John 13:35 Love one another as Jesus loved you.
- Romans 12:10 Honour one another above yourselves.
- Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another.
- Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another.
- Romans 14:19 Edify one another.
- Romans 15:5 Be likeminded one to another.
- Romans 15:7 Accept one another as Christ accepted you.
- Romans 15:14 Instruct one another.
- Romans 16:16 Greet one another.
- 1 Cor 12:25 Care for one another.
- Eph 4:2 Be patient with one another.
- Eph 4:32 Be kind to each other.
- Eph 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
- Col 3:13 Forgive each other.
- Hebrews 3:13 Encourage one another.
- James 5:16 Pray for one another.
- 1 Peter 3:8 Be compassionate to each other.
- 1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to each other.
- 1 Peter 5:5 Be humble towards one another.
As you can see from this list, there is plenty of room for us to think highly of each other in the Body of Christ. We need to make plenty of a llowance for each others weaknesses and faults, and overlook each others sins. When we do see a problem, let us not criticise or complain but instead pray and kindly point it out privately with humility. This gives God plenty of room to change people in time through the power of the Holy Spirit.
