From the beginning of Creation, to this very day, it is evident that we humans need each other. We need relationships. We need community. In the Garden of Eden this truth was made evident when the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man (Adam) should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Gen. 2:18). Adam had the animals, which he named and enjoyed, surrounding him. He also had the LORD God with whom to fellowship, yet something was missing. Adam needed someone with skin on, someone like himself, someone with whom he could have a relationship. God filled that need when He created Eve. “And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam… and he took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man” (Gen. 2:22). Perhaps Adam, when he saw Eve, said, “Thank you Lord God, just what I need!” This was the beginning of human relationships. We need one another and we all need the Lord. The LORD God knows exactly what we need even before we ask. “Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (Matthew 6:8). The key to fulfillment in this life is right relationships. How are your relationships?
Relationship
Relationship, what does that mean? Webster’s dictionary defines it as a connection between persons by blood or marriage; kinship; friendship; a natural association. In order to grow and flourish, we rely on one another. We need relationships.
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” (Eccl. 4:9,10). In our churches, in our families, on the job, in our community, in our friendships and other associations, a right relationship will be evident and profitable for all involved. (Read Col. 3:12-15.) As Christians, what should our relationships with one another look like? The Bible describes it:
- Love One Another – “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). “For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 John 3:11). I have learned that when I or others are the most unlovable is when we need love the most. Let us love one another.
- Accept One Another – “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” (Rom.15:7). Accept others regardless of culture, race, handicap, education, personality, or looks. All Christians are in the same family with God. We need to learn to accept one another.
- Consider One Another – “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Heb.10:24). We, as Christians should be thoughtful of one another. Treat others as you want them to treat you. Our actions and reactions should be based on love causing others to love and to do good works.
- Be Kind One to Another – “And be ye kind one to another…” (Eph. 4:32). It is never right to be rude. Have you ever been hurt with an unkind action or word? The word “kind” means to be good and gentle to others. Be kind to that cashier at the checkout when a mistake is made. Be kind to the restaurant server when your meal is not quite right. When wronged, be kind in your response.
- Be Patient With One Another – “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering (patience), forbearing one another in love” (Eph. 4:2). No matter what happens, be patient with other Christians. Patience is something we all struggle with. Waiting is hard, whether in the checkout line or the doctor’s waiting room, stopped in traffic on the freeway, or seeing kids refuse to obey. But patience is very important in our relationships. Here is a statement that says it all, “Lord give me patience, but HURRY.”
- Forgive One Another – “And be ye …forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32). Have you been forgiven? We all have, and we should learn to quickly forgive and keep right relationships. Do not stay angry. Quickly forgive. Learn to say, “I am sorry, forgive me.” Forgive one another.
- Be Friendly to One Another – “Be kindly affectioned (friendly) one to another with brotherly love…” (Rom. 12:10). The word “affection” means to be friendly and to like one another. It is important, as Christians, to love one another and to have a friendly spirit.
- Honor One Another – “Be kind; in honour preferring one another” (Rom. 12:10). Be happy for others when they are blessed of God. Rejoice with them that rejoice and sorrow with those that sorrow. Do not envy others (I Thess. 5:13). Honor one another.
- Serve One Another – “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13). Christians are to serve one another with love. Even Jesus Christ came to serve, not to be served. “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered (served) unto, but to minister (serve), and to give his life a ransom for many” Matt 20:28). Serve one another.
- Comfort One Another – “Wherefore comfort one another…” 1 Thes. 4:18. Comfort means to come alongside, to be available when needed, to be present to offer love and care. Often comfort is given without words, by just being present, giving a hug or holding a hand, or weeping with those that weep. We’ve all been comforted. May we give the same to others. “May we never leave someone to suffer alone.” Comfort one another.
We need one another. The key to fulfillment in this life is right relationships. How are your relationships? Do they need development? Do they need some repairs? Now is the time to make changes. Don’t wait too late.
We need one another
This is written because I care…Carlene
