We're In This Together

“For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:7-8)

These powerful words in the Bible were written by Paul. It’s an overarching description of the connection to one another that is intended for people who follow Jesus. We live in community, in family. We are not isolated individuals but interconnected members of the church, often referred to as the body of Christ. Our lives are not our own; they are dedicated to serving and loving God and one another.

Sometimes this is hard to put into practice! Children might say, “I will be so glad when I move out of my parent’s house and make my own decisions.” An employee might say, “If I could replace the boss, things we would a lot better!” A student might say, “I will be so glad to be finished with the rigors of school…life will be so much easier when I graduate!” How accurate are these opinions or wishes? They tend to put focus and blame on someone else rather than evaluating how we interact with them.

How often do we find ourselves caught up in petty disagreements, comparing ourselves to others, or even harboring resentment toward others? It is easy to forget the profound truth of our unity in Christ. Yet, the Bible is clear: we are called to love one another as Christ loved us.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Love should be an identifier of a Christian. It is not merely a feeling but an action, a choice we make daily. It involves putting the needs of others before our own, forgiving those who have wronged us, and extending grace and mercy.
“Bear with one another and forgive one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.” (Colossians 3:13)

How can we practically apply this love in our relationships?
Communicate openly and honestly: Share your thoughts and feelings with others, but do so with kindness and respect. Effective communication is key to building strong relationships.
Be expressive! Tell the people in your life how you feel about them!
Practice active listening: When someone is speaking, give them your full attention. Seek to understand their perspective before responding.
Forgive readily: Holding onto grudges only harms ourselves. Let go of past hurts and extend forgiveness freely.
Support one another: Encourage and uplift those in your life. Support them in their faith, their hopes, goals, and in their daily lives.
Spend quality time together: Building strong relationships requires intentional effort. Make time for fellowship and shared experiences.
Pray for one another:  Prayer is a gift and an honor that God has given to each of us to come to him on behalf of someone else. It is a powerful tool, strengthens bonds, and demonstrates love.

We are all imperfect people striving to follow Christ. We will make mistakes, and we will hurt one another. We sometimes find it hard to put these behaviors into practice. But through it all, let love be our guiding principle.
“Let us live in harmony with one another, in accordance with the law of Christ.” (Romans 13:10)
By choosing to love our brothers and sisters, we not only strengthen our relationships but also reflect the love of Christ to the world. Let us strive to be a community marked by unity, compassion, and grace.
 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of your faults.” (1 Peter 4:8)
 
4832 Ponderings:  When is it most difficult to put this guidance into practice? What can you change that might prevent relational challenges and replacing them with deepened commitment to those around you?