Relationships – A Central Focus in the Bible

Last Sunday I was once again impressed by the impact of practicing biblical relationships. I heard that people at church had been praying for me the previous week, and quite a few of them (both women and men!) approached me with sincere inquiries. They were truly concerned, and someone even got me a chair cushion (for my back). We have not been at that church for long, so I was really surprised – and uplifted. It seems that this congregation is committed to prayer and to putting God's word into action. What a huge, spiritual encouragement!

My thoughts then moved to actual bible passages. Many of us have read them over and over, but I am hoping that the following collection from the New Testament will once again encourage you the same way it did me while collecting them. Of course this list is in no way exhaustive, but if we read it slowly and with contemplation, it should be enough to spurn us on to handle ALL of our relationships (not just a selected few) the way our Lord intended. The rewards are many, and the way it makes people FEEL is priceless...

Love one another (John 13:35 - this command comes 16 times)
Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10)
Honour one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10)
Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)
Build up one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Be like-minded towards one another (Romans 15:5)
Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
Admonish one another (Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16)
Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25)
Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)
Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:2, 32; Colossians 3:13)
Be patient with one another (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13)
Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32)
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19)
Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5)
Consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3)
Look to the interests of one another (Philippians 2:4)
Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13)
Teach one another (Colossians 3:16)
Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
Encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13)
Stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)
Show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)
Employ the gifts that God has given us for the benefit of one another (1 Peter 4:10)
Clothe yourselves with humility towards one another (1 Peter 5:5)
Pray for one another (James 5:16)
Confess our faults to one another (James 5:16)

And now for the final wrap-up:
This is God’s commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another (1 John 3:23). Only two things to do - not 20, or 200.

Therefore, whatever we do, let us do ALL to the glory of God! (1 Corinthians 10:31)

I pray you will have a blessed week,
Margaret