To Do!

My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. –John 15:12-13

I like to make “to-do lists.” Go grocery shopping; drop off dry cleaning; pick up prescription for kids, etc. When things get busy, it helps to have a list I can refer to which reminds me of the things I need to get done. The best part is checking off the items. I love to check things off as I complete them.

Throughout the Bible, there are a variety of “to-dos” for Christians concerning how we are called to treat each other. They are referred to as the “one anothers.” Here are a few of them:

Hebrews 3:13 – Encourage one another. Romans 12:16 – Live in harmony with one another. Romans 15:7 – Accept one another. 1 Corinthians 12:25 – Care for one another. Galatians 5:13 – Serve one another in love. Galatians 5:15 – Don’t spitefully hurt one another. Galatians 5:26 – Don’t provoke or envy one another. Galatians 6:2 – Carry one another’s burdens. Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind to one another. Ephesians 4:32 – Forgive one another. Colossians 3:9 – Don’t lie to one another. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 – Comfort one another. Titus 3:3 – Don’t hate one another. James 5:9 – Don’t bear grudges against one another. James 5:16 – Pray for one another.

When the day gets busy and time gets short, these things tend to get pushed to the bottom of my list. It is way too easy to focus on myself and how others should be treating me, instead of on how I am treating and reaching out to others. However, as Christians, the “one anothers” list is one of the most important “to-do” lists to have on hand. All of these are ways we show each other love and respect. It is how God has called us to treat one another.

Blessings as you love one another!

Thora