It is very easy to get caught up in thinking about ourselves and our wants and even perceive those wants as needs. When we truly focus on what God wants from us we can see how important it is for us to honor Him and be loving to one another. During this times of the year there is much discussion regarding politics and a number of divisive things are being said. While not everyone engaged in these discussions are Christ followers, some of these people are or at least believe themselves to be overlooking that in favor of personal wants that are outside of the glory of God. Doing a Google search of "how many one another bible verses" I found a document that counts 59 uses of one another in the New Testament. Here are a few that I would like to highlight.
In Mark 9:50 Jesus is talking about having salt in ourselves. Salt here can be used as a reference to sacrifices that were covered with salt and/or salt being a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, " Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." This does not mean do it on your own accord but have the Holy Spirit in you as that also relates to a sacrifice of self. By that sacrifice of self and having the Holy Spirit in us, we can "be at peace with one another." It is hard to say or do divisive things when you have submitted your will to God. If you stay focused on being served then you are part of the problem.
We have probably covered John 13:34-35 numerous times about loving one another (Jesus's command) and that is how people will know we are Christ followers. But, let's take it a step further. What task is so beneath you that you would never do it? Cleaning toilets? Taking out the trash? Well, Jesus was so humble in his living that something as low as washing someone's feet was not beneath him. How would you sacrifice for your brother or sister in Christ if they needed you to? Would you allow yourself to be degraded in a sense to meet a need for them? Jesus says in John 13:14-15 that since he has done this that we should do the same type of activity as he has shown us an example of how to be.
Finally, I leave you with one more. Being a Christ follower does not equate to perfection from the eyes of others. It means being dedicated to God's will. It means accepting the Holy Spirit as your guide and God's grace through Christ. In Romans 15:7, Paul says something very important that often gets overlooked. He says, "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." This does not mean that we accept sin and just say it is okay, but remember where you were when first became a Christ follower. Remember the grace you needed or had. Now apply that to others. We are all works in progress. Love them enough to let them grow.
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