Learning to Care for Each Other

Last Sunday was a worthwhile, but also a heavy Sunday. In our church family there is a family going through some real health challenges. But what struck me on Sunday wasn’t the challenges, but the connections. I saw people hug them, pray with them, share tears, and share hope with them. This is what church is to be – a body that cares for one another.

Surprisingly enough that was the focus of  Sunday’s service. That while the church is sent out; it is sent out together as a community of love. If we can’t learn to love each other within the church, we won’t be able to practically show love to those outside the church. So what I saw on Sunday was people practicing love. That was beautiful, even in the midst of difficulty.

Someone shared with me afterwards that what made them choose to part of this family at Plattsville was how people were honest, real, and cared for one another. What they might not have  known is they were actually quoting Jesus. Jesus says that the way we love each other will prove to the world that we follow Jesus (John 13:35).

So today and this week – make a practice – of practicing love. Put love into action and show it. Because love is meant to be shown. Here are a few practical ways from Scripture:

• “Stop passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13)
  • Who do you need to stop judging?

• “Carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2)
  • Who has a burden that you can help carry? What can you practically do?

• “Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” (Colossians 3:13)
  • Who do you need to forgive today?

• “Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13)
  • Who can you encourage today? What can you say to them to build them up?

• “Accept one another just as Christ accepted you” (Romans 15:7)
  • Who should you accept today?

Which ones are easiest for you to practice? Which ones are hardest? Which one resonates most with you today? Which one can you put into practice today?

Because as you put it into practice you might be not only helping someone, but proving God’s love for them…