How To Live With One Another
What if God designed us to live in meaningful relationship with others? What if He wants us to impact and be impacted by each other so that we might be changed and transformed in the process? If this were actually God’s design and plan, how might it affect how we act toward others and how we receive from them?
God has placed the lonely in households (Psalm 68:6), with families, friends, workmates and possibly most importantly in the household of faith. He has made us to have effect on each other. It is as if our souls have been created with permeable membranes that allow overlap and exchange when we come close to each other. We experience the most exchange with those who come closest. Maybe that’s why we can be so irritated by our spouse, family or good friend. It can also explain how we pick up mannerisms, expressions and worldviews from each other.
The New Testament is peppered with verses that describe how we can best relate to “one another.” They express how the Kingdom of God is imparted from one to another. We need to take these verses seriously and to add faith to how we read and exercise these verses. Our relationships with each other are some of the greatest conduits of God’s grace. Let’s be careful that we not waste these grace-paths because of fear, selfishness, doubt or shallowness.
As you read the list of “One Another” expressions below, take some time to see if God highlights any of them to your soul. He may show you some things that you need and/or some ways that you need to behave or change. He may also bring some people to mind. You may want to look the phrases up in the Bible – and spend some time with them. These apply to our relationships with others – they are not things we work on alone in our faith.
- be devoted to one another (Rom. 12:10)
- honor one another (Rom 12:10)
- live in harmony with one another (Rom 12:16)
- love one another (1 John 3:11,4:7, 11-12, 23) (Phil. 2:2) (2 John 1:5-6) (Rom 12:10, 13:8) (John 13:34-35) (1 Peter 3:8) (Heb.13:1)
- accept one another (Rom.15:7)
- don’t judge one another (Rom.!4:13)
- instruct and teach one another (Col.3:16)
- greet one another (1Pet.5:14) (1 Cor.16:20) (2 Cor.15:39) (Rom.16:16)
- serve one another (1Peter 4:10)
- carry one another's burdens (Gal.6:2)
- be patient and bear with one another (Eph 4:2)
- be kind and compassionate to one another (Eph. 4:32) (Phil 2:2)
- forgive one another (Eph. 4:32)
- confess your sins to one another (1 John 1:9)
- submit to one another (Eph. 5:21)
- encourage one another (Heb. 10:25) (2 Cor. 13:11) (1 Thess. 4:18)
- spur one another on to love and good deeds (Heb.10:24)
- pray for one another (James 5:16))
How are you doing? Are you living “with” others (as opposed to “at” them or “apart” from them? Are you building and imparting Kingdom faith and qualities? Are you taking opportunities to receive from and be impacted and transformed by others? Is your faith, character and life growing?
~ Coach Tom
_________________
P.S. ... If you are stalled in life, or particularly if you are in transition, here are three ways I can help you Get Clear, Get Focused and Be Fruitful!
1. Grab a Free Copy of my "4 Key Steps to Clarity and Fruitfulness" Document. It's a Blueprint to help you move ahead. Click Here
2. Join my FaceBook Group, "Greater Focus and Fruitfulness" for more teaching, training and community. Click Here
3. Work with me:
I can help you Clarify, Plan, and take Bold Steps into Your Future. Book a Free 45-Minute Strategy Session with me: Click Here
