Loving one another well

Each month, I like to focus on a specific topic and read what scripture says about it.

For September, I went through a devotional scripture card set by Illustrated Faith called The One Anothers. It’s about loving others the way that Christ loves us. Here are few points that really resonated with me.

Accept one another.

Therefore accept one another, just as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God.

Romans 15:7 CSB

We are to accept others as Jesus accepted us. We don’t demand that they change before we can extend them friendship. We trust that God knows more than we do and we merely love those He entrusts to us.

Stop passing judgement on one another.

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

Romans 14:13 ESV

Only God knows what is in the heart of another. He knows the struggles they face now, their history and future. We simply do not have the capacity to judge and, again, are simply called to love.

Speak truth to one another.

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:25 ESV

His truth. There is nothing quite like being encouraged with the use of scripture.

Bear with one another in love.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV

Ours is a high calling. We have to help those who are struggling with sin.

Be devoted to one another.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.

Romans 12:10 NASB

Love deeply. Go the distance and persevere in it to the end.

Make your love increase and overflow for one another.

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 ESV

I loved this final one. Many times throughout this study I thought that is a hard thing to do indeed. Here, we are reminded that is something that the Lord does within us. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. It is not something we can make happen of our own efforts. We are to abide (remain) in him, and then we will bear much fruit.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing

John 15:5 ESV

Thank you, God, for Your grace and faithfulness!

I’m going through the series again with my kids as part of our home school curriculum this Fall. We’re reading through the scriptures at a slower pace; each card has 3 scripture references so we read one per day. We discuss what we’re learning and then they do a bit of creative journaling in a notebook. I came across this song – Love One Another – by Yancy and it has been a fun addition to our bible study time.

Once we complete a card, I post it on the bulletin board in our breakfast nook so we can remember it.

If you’re interested in the devotional cards, you can find them and coordinating printables on the Illustrated Faith Print and Pray Shop. Also check out #if_oneanothers on Instagram for more information.