By: Tiffanie
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
As God’s people we are a family; knit together by the love of Christ. In a world of broken relationships, our love for one another stands apart.
Just as we are being reconciled to Christ, we reconcile with one another; speaking truth and not letting the sun go down on our anger, turning our cheeks and valuing what is eternal over perishable things, not thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Just as we are welcomed by our Father with open arms, we open our hands and our homes to others; welcoming the stranger, visiting the sick and even the imprisoned, lending without alterior motivation, giving to the needy, bearing each others burdens, laying down our lives for our friends.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
Unlike what is common in the world, we are called to honor our parents, to be wise, obey, hate bribes, to set aside greed, to listen and provide for our families.
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8
Surrounded by sorrow and brokenness, loneliness and shame… by our interactions with each other and our words to one another, we get to show the world that “the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” It is not only for our good that our ways are like His, but for the good of his kingdom.
Praise the Lord that we are his chosen children. As we live out this identity of family, in what ways do we build up, disciple and celebrate one another that might reveal the Glory of our Father?
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you…” John 15:12
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