Love One Another

Jesus told us that the world would know that we were His disciples by our love for one another.  I have been pondering this truth for some time now and asking God, what would this really look like if we put it into practice.

On any given Sunday in any church setting or Christian social event, you can see children, teens and adults greeting one another and chatting and laughing and praying together. But do we ever notice the one sitting alone?  The ones that perhaps are a bit different than the rest?  All alone, seldom being included in conversation or invitations.  When was the last time you personally reached out to one of these hurting lonely ones? This breaks my heart and I am sure it breaks the heart of the One who died for us all.

Jesus did not leave us without instruction on how to walk out this love He commanded us to display. The bible is full of one another passages.

Here a few of them?

Greet one another with a holy kiss
Serve one another
Prefer one another
Honor one another
Give hospitality to one another
Forgive one another
Be devoted to one another
Accept one another
Encourage one another
Give your self to one another
Have the same care one for another
Seek after that which is good for one another
Bear one another's burdens

Might I suggest that we all need to do some repenting for not walking out our love in a biblical manner?  I have been challenged by the Lord to make a change in the way I interact with those around me.  I would like to ask you to join me in walking out this biblical love in a new way.

I am blessed to be a part of a Church that for the most part practices these things, but we all need to improve because people still fall through the cracks. The Church is the one place where no one should ever feel left out or unloved or on the outside looking in.

This week, make a point to ask God to open your eyes to those around you.  Be sure to introduce them to others with whom you spend time. Invite them to your next outing and make sure you include them in the conversation and activity. Drop them a note and just let them know you are praying for them. Let them know that you care but more importantly that God cares.  I cannot help but think if we as the body of Christ began to practice these things the world around where we live would know without a shadow of doubt that we are His disciples.  And the bonus, HIS fame would spread far and wide and those who do not yet know Him might come to faith.  Hallelujah, let's BE the Church and make a difference.

Much love,
Sherry