Practical Ways Church Members Can Love Each Other
Love is not always a feeling. Sometimes it is a choice. I feel very confident that we have often acted in ways that could hinder God from having positive feelings towards us. We crucified his Son. And yet he has always loved us. He chose to love us. He made the commitment. Love does the most for what others need the most. This is Jesus.
Now put this in the context of our interpersonal relationships within the church. We have been commanded to love each other with the same love Jesus has for us (John 13:34-35). How do we do that? There are no more crosses to die on. That has been done and it was accomplished by the only person who was qualified and innocent so that it mattered. But there are still sacrifices we can make. Consider some of the following things that Christian brothers and sisters can do in order to display love for each other.
- .Stop with the judgment.
For some reason, Christians have a hard time not holding people to their own standards of righteousness. We need to look for ways to do what God has commanded without being angry with others who don’t always make the same choices we do. We all have spiritual weaknesses and we will help other Christians more by encouraging than discouraging. If the time comes for discipline and restoration we can do that in a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1). But it should not be our default setting.
2. Forgive soon and often.
Isn’t it crazy how people who are supposed to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth can be offended so quickly over trivial things? People have bad days. Give them a rain check. Agree and get over misunderstandings and hurt feelings as soon as possible. The desire to want to get along and a willingness to forgive others expresses that you value a relationship.
3. Communicate.
Primarily this means listen. Too often we think communicating means talking. But if you ask anyone who they feel close to or who they trust or who they are willing to be transparent with – they will say it is the person who is always caring and who listens. When we listen to each other both verbally and nonverbally we will understand what other people need and we will be more qualified to assist them. No real communication is guaranteed when it is just two people talking.
4. Give your time.
We have a lot of free time. We say we don’t, but our daily screen time alone says we are lying. In the 21st century, cell phones have almost eliminated the quality time people could be spending together. Sit with people. Eat lunch with people. Go to events with people. Do small favors for people. Pray with people. Live out your life WITH PEOPLE. If you give all your time to yourself – you will be all you are left with.
5. Share.
Every reference to the early unity and love that was experienced in the first-century church includes the fact that they shared their possessions. One of the best ways to express love in the church is to treat your temporary possessions (they are all temporary) as community property. Open your home with hospitality. Give and share with those who have less. Be free with all of your material blessings and see them as a means to your opportunity to exhibit expressions of love. Do not ever cling dearly to anything that is passing away.
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more…” – Philippians 1:9
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AUTHOR: Jeremiah Tatum
