Stepping Stones: “One Another”

Transformational Tip

When I argue (because I’m above fighting) with my wife or daughters, I hurt, because they’re family. With fellow believers in Christ, we’re brothers and sisters and related in a much stronger way than blood. I’ve really experienced this on missions trips where I experience an incredible bond through Christ with someone I’ve never met before.

All through the Bible, we find “one another” Scriptures that instruct us in the kinds of caring actions and attitudes that ought to characterize our relationships as brothers and sisters in Christ. God clearly defines what kind of relationships we should have…and yet we so often fail to develop the type of relationships that He desires for us. And when we fail, we not only add unnecessary stress to our lives and the lives of those around us…but we also fail to illustrate the love of Jesus to unbelievers who may be observing us.

God has blessed each of us with gifts and talents and then placed us within a body of believers with a variety of gifts. As we live in harmony and love, focused on God’s plan, we can accomplish so much more than if we each try to do our own thing. And along the way we will develop relationships that we can count on—relationships built on a foundation of God’s love.

Do you see yourself as part of God’s team? Are you and other Christians in your church…and in other churches and ministries in your community…working together in harmony? Are you stuck focusing on differences…or on God’s bigger plan?

Today, ask God to show you personally what you can do to improve your relationship with a specific brother or sister in Christ. Perhaps it’s someone you have criticized…or someone you feel as though you are competing against. Maybe you have bickered about theology or passed judgment on his or her behavior. Ask God to help you relate to this person in love and harmony and build His kind of “one another” relationship.
Click here to share your perspective what “one anothering” you can improve on.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I know there are times when I let personal feelings and differences interfere with my relationship with other believers. Please forgive me and help me have the kinds of “one another” relationships described in your Word. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who completes my joy, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention.
Philippians 2:2