One Another

    “There is a special need for member of a local body to accept their brothers and sisters in practical ways. I mean by accept to realize that other members are not as I am or you are as an individual. Some are out-going others are quiet. We cannot say I like the out-going people and wish the whole church was out-going people. We may like a very casual and loosely organize gathering while another may prefer a more ordered service of worship. We cannot say, well I don’t like the style of worship so I reject the other members form of worship (or even the whole church). Some members may be very cleanly and dressy, but others may not be clean or well-dressed. We cannot say that I want to go to a church where only clean smelling, well-dressed people go. This is having respect of persons. This is not accepting one another as Christ accepted us.

The teaching of Scripture calls us to go beyond accepting one another. We are to serve one another. This means that we have a responsibility as recipients of grace to give grace - first to the household of faith.

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. -NRS John 13:34

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. -NRS John 13:35

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. -NRS John 15:12

I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. NRS John15:17

Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. -NRS Rom 12:10

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. -NRS Rom 12:16

The clear and oft repeated admonition of Jesus and the Apostles in Scripture is to love one another. They did not say, get with a group that you like. They did not say make sure you are in a church that worships like you like or uses the translation of the Bible you prefer or that has more people or more exciting programs. They did not say first find a pastor with a dazzling personality that sweeps you off you feet with his preaching or charisma. They said to do everything to love those believers where you are. The responsibility is placed on us as individuals to give to, support, serve, bless, encourage, edify, share with, give our time and energy to the gathering of believers in a local area.”

Bernie Gillespie