How to be devoted to One Another

How can we be devoted to one another? The Bible calls us to be devoted to one another in brothery love. This is a reflection of the love that God has for us, and it is a commandment that we must follow. We can only do this with Holy Spirit’s help and it’s a command that we get so much benefit from. Learn more in the message How to be devoted to One Another

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TL/DW/DL

How to be Be devoted to One Another

Read Romans 12:10-21 NIVUK Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

v. 10 Be devoted to one another in love.

What does being devoted look like?

Being devoted to something means being focused on that particular thing almost exclusively. When you are devoted to a cause, you work to achieve its goals. When you are devoted to a person, you place their needs above your own. Vocabulary.com

When we are devoted to one another, we are:

1) Practicing the same love, compassion, and generosity that God showed us,

2) Demonstrating one of the primary messages of the Gospel which is to serve and help others.

Why does devotion to one another matter?

The first clue is the word itself…

φιλόστοργος - philostorgos

Wonderful word - Remember the different greek words for love?

agapeo - the love that is a decision

philo - the love that is an emotion

ersos - sexual love - not in the New Testament, but in the Septuagint.

storge - love of family ie - love that we get benefit from.

We get benefits from being devoted to one another.

What benefits do we get from being devoted to one another?

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (NIV)

“A man reaps what he sows.” –Galatians 6:7 (NIV Truncated)

5 benefits from being devoted to one another

1. Being devoted to others with our finances blesses us.

Where you spend your money affects your happiness.

A 2008 study http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320150034.htm  done by the University of British Columbia and Harvard Business School, examined if where a person spent their money affected their happiness.

A total of 630 Americans were interviewed and asked to report their income, their monthly spending including all bills and money spent on themselves, their general happiness, and gifts given to others or charities.

The results?

Regardless of a person’s income, people who spent more money on others or charities reported higher levels of happiness than those who didn’t.

Acts 20:35 (NIV) In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

2 . Being devoted to others helps your health.

A study http://hpq.sagepub.com/content/4/3/301.short?rss=1&ssource=mfcled by Doug Oman of the University of California Berkley found that elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44% less likely to die over a five-year health period than those who didn’t volunteer.

Another study http://www.pubfacts.com/detail/16905215/Social-support-and-ambulatory-blood-pressure:-an-examination-of-both-receiving-and-giving. found that people who provided social support to others had lower blood pressure than those who didn’t. This suggests that helping others may have a direct physiological benefit as well.

1 Peter 4:9 (NIV) Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

3. Being devoted to others brings us closer together.

According to the book, The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky, when we serve others it not only helps others feel closer to us but also helps us feel closer to others. “Being kind and generous leads you to perceive others more positively and charitably.”

Acts 4:32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.

Since God is the giver of all gifts (Psalm 24:1), we need to realize that our possessions are really not our own and that we are merely caretakers (Matthew 25:21) of God’s provisions.

4. Being devoted to others promotes more gratitude in our lives.

Whenever we give the gift of helping others or are on the receiving end of that gift, we often experience feelings of gratitude.

According to a study http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/pdfs/GratitudePDFs/6Emmons-BlessingsBurdens.pdf done by Robert Emmons from University of California Davis and Michael McCullough of the University of Miami, college students who counted their blessings experienced more gratitude in their lives which in turn caused them to be more optimistic, exercise more, and feel better about their lives overall.

Hebrews 12:28 (NIV) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

5. Being devoted to others, helps them be devoted to us.

A study http://www.pnas.org/content/107/12/5334.full.pdf+html?sid=5f35f0fa-fea9-40e3-880d-e6acf26b4acd done by James Fowler of the University of San Diego and Nicholas Christakis of Harvard found that when people give to others, it encourages others to do the same which multiplies the effect of giving.

Titus 2:7a (NIV) In everything set them an example by doing what is good.

If we want to be devoted to one another, the next question has to be:

How do we be devoted to one another?

That’s another great question. I am so glad you asked.

How to have DEVOTION for one another tool

DEVOTION

Romans 12:10-18

D - Don’t undervalue Honour. v.10

E - Enjoy life with each other. v.11

V - Value the journey. v.12

O - Offer your home. v.13

T - Take the punch. v.14

I - Identify with what each other are going through. v.15

O - Obliterate pride. v. 16

N - Nourish peace. v.17-18

Let’s unpack that, shall we?

D - Don’t undervalue Honour

Honour one another above yourselves. v.10

We show devotion to one another by honouring each other. We honour someone when we affirm them to their face and behind their back. We honour someone when we listen to them. When we give each other our time and attention we are honouring each other as important. We express honour when we give a vital role in each other’s lives.

“Love from the centre of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle” (Romans 12:9-10, MSG).

Have I been treating others with honour?

E - Enjoy life with each other

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. v. 11

We serve the Lord by serving each other. When we show devotion to one another we serve each other. When we serve another we’re not passive about it.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Have I been passionately devoted to others?

V - Value the journey

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. v.12

When we are devoted to one another, we help each other face whatever brutal reality we need to face. Often the best thing we do is be present. We don’t need to have answers. It’s usually best when we don’t.

Story this week - “Holy and Sacred”

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

How can we be joyful in hope, patient in affliction? We stay faithful in prayer.

Prayer is a steering wheel, not a spare tire.

Have I been joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer?

O - Offer your home

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality. v.13

“Offer your home” is to offer your all.

When we devote ourselves to one another the nearest and dearest to us is what we offer each other.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

Have I been withholding from loving others like Christ loved me?

T - Take the punch

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. v.14

When we devote ourselves to one another we don’t persecute each other do we? Guess what? There will be times that we are offended, ignored, hurt, unappreciated. Most murders are done by someone the victim knew.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20 (NIV)

I was talking to someone this week who was feeling unappreciated. I listened to his grievances and asked him “Can you do anything to control what others do?” He said, “Well, no” “But you believe we reap what we sow? If you plant an apple seed, you’ll get an apple tree?” “Well, yah” “How much do you show appreciation to others? That’s all you can control.”

Do I bless and not curse others?

I - Identify with what each other are going through.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. v.15

When we devote ourselves to one another we adjust our emotions to fit their reality. This is where real friendship comes into play. I believe it’s easy to fulfill all the one another commands when we consider each other as friends.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

Do I rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn?

O - Obliterate pride

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. v. 16

When we are devoted to one another there is no room for pride in ourselves.

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Do I live in harmony with others?

N - Nourish peace

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. v.17-18

When we are devoted to one another we live at peace with one another. We seek peace and pursue it. We don’t the sun go down on our anger. We are people of peace.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Do I seek peace and pursue it?

D - Don’t undervalue Honour.

E - Enjoy life with each other.

V - Value the journey.

O - Offer your home.

T - Take the punch.

I - Identify with what each other are going through.

O - Obliterate pride.

N - Nourish peace.

Prepare for reflection…

Take time to reflect on God’s devotion to you and realize that can empower you to be devoted to one another. Ask God for a memory of when someone showed devotion to you. Remember how it made you feel. Ask God who and how you can show devotion to this week.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10)

How to speak the truth in love

One of the most important lessons found in the Bible is to speak the truth in love. This practice is essential for spiritual growth and developing a closer connection with Jesus Christ. It can be difficult to remain honest while still being kind, so it’s important to understand why this practice matters and how to apply it in our everyday lives. Learn more in the Message Speak the Truth in Love.

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TL/DW/DL Read how to speak the truth in love

Ephesians 4:15-30 Holman Christian Standard Bible But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part. Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their thoughts. They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more. But that is not how you learned about the Messiah, assuming you heard about Him and were taught by Him, because the truth is in Jesus. You took off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires; you are being renewed in the spirit of your minds; you put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth. Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbour, because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption.

Can I pray?

I remember a conversation I had with a friend who was a leader in a church. She was saying something she said someone that really seemed harsh to me. She could tell by my face I was taken back by what she said.

Her retort was “We’re supposed to speak to the truth.”

To which I said, “The verse is …Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

She had realized, while it was the truth, it wasn’t the truth in love. She went to apologize.

So let’s start with the starting place.

What is truth?

That’s what Pilate asked when he was questioning Jesus and Jesus said he was born and came into the world to testify to the truth and the all who love the truth will recognize what he says is true John 18:37-38

Jesus had already declared in John 14:6 that

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

Jesus is the truth. We speak the truth in love to one another to build up each of us to more and more like Jesus. Hmmm…

Truth is not truth that I assume is the truth.

Truth is not my opinion.

Truth is not what’s popular to those I agree with.

Jesus said, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

Jesus is the truth. He’s what we share in love. And as we share Him in love we all build up each other to become more and more like Jesus.

John also describes Jesus as the Word, the λόγος,

Jesus is the living λόγος

The Bible is the written λόγος

If you want to know what the truth is, find out the revelation of Jesus in the the written word. It is living and active and sharper than any two edge sword Hebrews 4:12 It shows you what the living Jesus wants you to know about Him.

What is love?

What is the love we’re supposed to be speaking the truth in?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

This is ἀγάπη love. It’s the same kind of love that’s in Ephesians 4:15. ἀγάπη love is that love that is a decision, a choice.

It’s our choice to speak the truth in love.

Why Speak Truth in Love?

Ephesians 4:15 tells us that speaking the truth in love helps us grow as believers. It brings about maturity for the individual and the church as a whole. Verse 14 tells us more about why,

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

As mature believers we are equipped for God’s good, worked out in and through us.

Ephesians 4:25 Speak the truth, each one to his neighbour, because we are members of one another.

We speak the truth in love to pursue growth and maturity that edifies the community of believers, because we are members of one another.

To sum up:

Speaking the truth in love is speaking that which is doctrinally correct and that which proceeds from a biblically committed life to a person who is in need of correction. It is done in love for the benefit of one who needs some adjustment to their attitudes or their actions.

Three reasons we might be afraid to speak the truth in love

The first reason we don’t speak the truth in love is fear of others. We are afraid of losing friendships or straining relationships. Unfortunately, this just compounds our own sin. In Galatians 1:10 , Paul warns us that if we are people-pleasers, we are not servants of Christ.

Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10

Another reason we don’t speak to others when it is needed is because of fear of rejection. It’s possible that we’ll be labeled as judgmental or self-righteous. When this happens, we can take great comfort in 1 Peter 2:20-24

Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.

A further reason we don’t speak the truth in love is because we fear not knowing what to say. While this concern is legitimate, it’s one that can be easily remedied by being prepared. Paul is clear in Romans 15:14 that all believers are able to help each other, and in 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul tells us how to be ready for this task. We are competent to counsel, but we must know what the Word of God says so that we know how to address each situation. And by the way, Jesus told us the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say. (Luke 12:12)

Luke 12:12 “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”

We can’t let fear keep us from speaking the truth in love.

Remember last week’s message? We are only to fear God.

Remember:

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

How do you speak the truth in love?

We must remember, this is not about us; it is about the spiritual welfare of others. We also do this is because it is a command, as seen in Ephesians 4, Matthew 18:15-17 and James 5:19-20.

Be KIND

K - Know you can be like Jesus. Eph. 4:20 -21

I - Impart life when you impart correction. Eph. 4:26

N - Never not encourage. Eph. 4:29

D - Do not grieve Holy Spirit. Eph. 4:30

K - Know you can be like Jesus

Ephesians 4:20 -21 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,

The Bible tells us that Jesus is “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

He spoke the truth in love to a woman by a well in John 4. Just by starting a conversation with her and asking for a drink of water, Jesus broke social norms of race and gender that would prevent a Jewish man from even talking to a Samaritan woman. Then he, after pointing out intimate details of unhealthy patterns she had, offered her hope and true satisfaction through a relationship with Him by faith.

Jesus offers love and acceptance alongside truth. Remember that your goal in speaking is to help others see how Jesus’ death and resurrection gives them a greater life than what the world offers.

Do I know I can be like Jesus?

I - Impart life when you impart correction.

Ephesians 4:26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,

It’s OK to be angry, but don’t sin in your anger (Ephesians 4:26). Your words have the power to restore and creatively rebuild, but they also have the power to harm relationships in a lasting and damaging way (James 3:9-10).

Understand before being wanted to be understood.

Timely - don’t let the sun go down on your anger and don’t give the devil a foothold. v.27

Don’t nurse it, don’t rehearse it , don’t re-hash it, don’t bash it.

Am I reacting or intentionally building up?

N - Never not encourage

Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Know you’re not in the right place when you’re wanting to put someone else in their place.

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

To knock someone off their high horse, you’re already on your own.

Ephesians 4:29b Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Realize you can judge to condemn or judge to discern.

One brings death and the other brings life.

Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

Does this hurt me to say this or am I enjoying taking the other person down a peg or two?

D - Do not grieve Holy Spirit

Ephesians 4:30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

How do you not grieve Holy Spirit?

Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Live the way he wants us to live.

Since you live by the Spirit, keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 Let His fruit grow in you and search the Spirit’s counsel before any exchange making sure to rely on the Spirit in your weakness.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. Romans 8:26-27.

Am I grieving Holy Spirit in the way I’m living or what I’m saying?

K - Know you can be like Jesus. Eph. 4:20 -21

I - Impart life when you impart correction. Eph. 4:26

N - Never not encourage. Eph. 4:29

D - Do not grieve Holy Spirit. Eph. 4:30

What is the Result of Speaking the Truth in Love?

Paul gives us several results in 2 Timothy 2:24-26. (NLT)

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

1. God can change their hearts.
2. They can come to their senses.
3. They can escape from the devil’s trap.

The key is we gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Holy Spirit will give you the words. I’ve learned it’s often best to ask genuine questions.

Conclusion

Speaking the truth in love will be difficult and may seem costly in the short run. But it’s an investment God wants us to make. Like an investment; it pays more long-range dividends rather than short-term gains .

We speak the truth in love to pursue growth and maturity that edifies the community of believers. Ephesians 4:16

Reflection Questions

Is there someone God would have you speak the truth in love to?

You can purpose in your heart today to go begin or continue a loving discussion.

Is there something in your life you sense Holy Spirit wants you to get rid of before someone tries to speak to you in love about it?

You can confess and repent and walk in the freedom truth brings today.

Take some time to hear from Holy Spirit today.

How to Accept One Another

Accept One Another. The Bible is a powerful source that provides us with guidelines and principles to live by. It encourages us to show acceptance, kindness and love to one another. Acceptance of others can be difficult and challenging, but it is essential in living out a life that glorifies God. Learn how to Accept One Another in this message.

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Read How to Accept One Another

Accept One Another

Read Romans 14:1 - 15:13 NLT

Story about how to accept one another

In my first church we had something incredible happen time and time again. People who thought they knew the church told me it was stuck up and snobby and too old. But I knew it better.

What consistently happened was a young couple would start attending. They get involved in some way and in time they’d come to me to get their baby baptized.

I’d tell them “We don’t baptize babies we bless and dedication them?”

“What’s the difference?” they would ask.

Baptism is for believers. It for people who have said with their mouth “Jesus is Lord” and who have believed in their heart God raised him form the dead. It’s an outward sign of what has already happened inwardly.

“So what’s a baby dedication?” they’d ask.

A baby dedication has 3 parts. The first, you commit to raising the baby so it’s easy for them to say Jesus is Lord when they’re old enough. The second is those gathered agree to help you raise you child in a way that it becomes easy for them to say Jesus is Lord when they are old enough. The third is a blessing. Jesus took the little ones in his arms and bless them and we can bless them in Jesus’ name. It’s something real and tangible and it’s something we can do even if you’re not ready to say you want to raise them to make it easy for them to say Jesus is Lord.

Most times parents wanted the full deal.

So then we’d get back to baptism somehow and they’d realize they’d never been baptized as believers. So I’d tell them we can do both the same day. And they’d always get excited and I’d get excited. Then I’d remember I need to take down information and as I took it down I’d realize they didn’t have the same last name.

So I’d ask them about that and realize they aren’t married yet.

They have been in the church for six months or more. They had been involved and likely served and nobody thought to ask if they were married.

So we’d marry them the same weekend that we baptize them and dedicate their kids.

And it wasn’t anything I did that made this “dry, stuffy, old church” accept people for who they are and love them them into the kingdom.

I guess I did teach that “people needed to belong before they believed” but that church at that time got it and they ran with it.

I can remember 7 or 8 couples that this happened to. The last one, whoa, was that fun. The whole side was filled with unchurched gang members. It was one of my last service before we moved to New Zealand and I was lamenting to God the whole time.

The situation Paul addressed in Rome

The church in the new testament was volatile. It met in homes. There was no Bible codified yet. Most of the new testament is written because of problems going on in the church.

When Paul wrote to Rome he address an issue he heard about. That there was division because some people only ate vegetables and others ate meat, because meat was offered to idols. Some people thought the idols were nothing. Other people wanted to leave their old life behind. In the middle of it, they were treating each other like “If I’m right, you have to be wrong and I know I’m right.”

What we read was Paul telling them “We need each other more than we need to agree.”

How do we accept one another?

ACCEPT

A - Abandon Judging Rom. 14:1-4

C - Care more about people than you care about being right. Rom. 14:5-6

C - Choose to do what is best for everyone. Rom. 14:13; 19-21, Rom. 15:1

E - Empower them to do what’s right. Rom. 15:2

P - Perceive and receive God’s help. Rom. 15:5

T - Trust Christ has accepted you. Rom. 15:7

A - Abandon Judging

Stop the judging

Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. Romans 14:4 NLT

Have you ever felt judged and accepted at the same time?

We need to judge rightly, but we can’t condemn. Allow others to be different.

Accepting includes making others feel they belong.

“In essentials unity. In non-essentials liberty. In all things charity”

Am I judging rightly?

C - Care more about people than you care about being right.

Give room for differences of opinion on disputable matters.

Romans 14:5-6 In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God.

We need each other more than we need to agree on everything.

Can I care more about others than I do about being right?

C - Choose to do what is best for everyone.

Rom. 14:13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

Rom. 14:19-21 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.

Rom. 15:1 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.

Some call it being an adult. But I’ve met too many adults who only look out for their own interests. It’s maturity to look out for others interests.

Do I look out for others interests or just my own?

E - Empower them to do what’s right.

Help them to do what’s right

Rom. 15:2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convict of sin, not yours. When they ask for help, give it to them. Remember it’s the kindness of God that leads us to repentance. Help them to do what’s right. Wait for them to ask for help to do what’s right.

Am I helping others to do what’s right?

P - Perceive and receive God’s help

God helps us.

Rom. 15:5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

This is not “5 steps and be a more accepting person”, It’s one step, that’s to keep in step with Holy Spirit. He empowers us to accomplish every good work prompted by faith.

This isn’t in our own power and ability. It’s His power we need in us. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is alive in you.

Am I relying on God’s help?

T - Trust Christ has accepted you.

Accept as Christ as accepted you

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Rom. 15:7

What does accept mean?

Philemon 1:17 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me” (NLT).

The word “welcome” προσλαμβάνω (proslambano) is the exact same word and has the exact same meaning as “accept” προσλαμβάνω (proslambano) in Romans 15:7

Accepting one another is to receive another person with special concern and care and value.

Accepting others is welcoming them into your life as you would treat someone who is important in your life.

You didn’t have to change before Christ accepted you. It was his acceptance of you that allowed you to change. We have the same role with each other. As we accept each other because Christ has accepted us, we have the grace to allow each other to become more and more like Jesus.

Do I accept others like Christ has accepted me?

——

Conclusion of How to Accept One Another

The world has changed a lot since I was a young pastor. I don’t know if there’s a lot of young couples who want to raise their kids in church, even if they never were. Instead we have people that God loves that don’t feel welcomed in church gathering.

Most of them don’t think like we do or act like we do. Most of us don’t know what pronouns to use for them. Yet make no mistakes, Jesus died for them like he died for you. He did it make a way for us to be with him now and for eternity.

I don’t know if they’d ever come to the doors of a church. But they don’t turn down real gestures of friendship and they will not be someone’s project.

What if we were to have them into our homes and serve them food they’d appreciate? What if they’d become our friends and teach us things as they’d maybe learn from us?

What is God asking you to do to show you accept others just as Christ has accepted you?

Prayer - Soaking - Reflection

Blessing - Day 24 - Livecast - May God help you live in complete harmony…

This Blessing from the Book comes from Romans 15:15. It reminds us that God wants us to live in harmony. Sign up for the full course at http://revtrev.link/blessing #blessing #Bible #encourage #encouragement #hope #trust #faith

Watch Blessing - Day 24 - May God help you live in complete harmony…

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You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take his yoke that is easy and his burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living LIGHT. Don’t conform but be transformed, so you can have peace, and joy and hope at all times in every situation. Get all the Courses and Resources in Live LIGHT Academy for one low price - Learn more http://revtrev.link/pathway

Verse

Romans 15:5 (HCSB) Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus,

Blessing

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

Reflection Question

Is there anyone I need to forgive or ask forgiveness from?

Can I pray for you?

Lord, I thank you that you are Father, Son and Holy Spirit and that you created us to live in community as well. Help us to honour one another and serve one another and love one another and give preference to one another. Thank you that you make it easy to do when we keep short accounts with each other. If we have difficult conversations ahead, give us the words to say and the love to show. Thank you that you empower us to accomplish every good work prompted by faith. Amen.

You can get the enhanced audio version at https://revtrev.com/radio. But you can only pick your blessing that you need TODAY and get the enhanced video version when you sign up at http://revtrev.link/blessing. Sign up today!

How to consider others better than yourself

The Bible is full of advice on how we should live our lives. One important principle it teaches is to consider others better than ourselves. This means thinking of others' needs and wishes before our own, and putting their interests ahead of our own. It's not always easy to do this, but it's an important part of being a good and godly person.

Watch, listen or read the notes on the message Consider others better than yourself

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Read Consider others better than yourself

It’s tough being a Canadian.

And not because of political leadership…

And not because of our neighbours…

And not even because of our weak dollar…

It’s tough being a Canadian….because we’re too polite.

Don’t believe me? You know you’re Canadian if you’ve ever been in this situation…

{Crosswalk Clip}

And you know that you’re facing a Canadian at a 4-way stop when this happens.

{4 way stop clip}

You know as a Canadian you’ll be delayed at a door because you and someone else insist each other goes first.

{Door clip}

Painfully polite

“Painfully polite” is a good description of these.

What we’re going to talk about today, I don’t want to you think of as “Painfully polite”. It’s much more life-transforming and Spirit empowering than that.

Philippians 2:1-18 NIVUK Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself — by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Can I pray?

There’s a lot to unpack in these verses, but I need to focus on what Paul said in verses 3-4.

Philippians 2:3-4 NIVUK Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

What is selfish ambition and vain conceit?

Selfish ambition is saying or thinking, “I need to look good or I need to avoid looking bad.”

Vain conceit is saying or thinking, “I deserve this.”

The interesting thing to me is that is how we’re marketed to.

Don’t believe me?

Look at the next car ad. See how the people around are admiring the car the person just bought. That is appealing to our selfish ambition.

This February, there will be an ad for trip to Cancun or the Mexican Riveria and the words will be “You deserve this.” In the middle of February it might be easy to think we deserve a little sun and fun. But realize they are pitching to you vain conceit.

I’m not saying having a new car is bad. I’m not saying going on trip is not a good thing. I’m saying Paul tells us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility value others above ourselves. We’re to not look out for our own interests, but each of us need to look out for the interests of others.

It’s being Canadian without the painful politeness.

It’s not a smile and wave when inwardly we’re seething.

Does this really matter?

That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked. Jesus said,

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”John 13:35

Do they know we’re Christians by our love?

Or do they know what you stand for because of what you stand against?

As a Christian and a Canadian, I apologize for us regularly. We say and we do really silly and hurtful things. We look out for our own interests and don’t think about how it affects others. That has to stop.

For example:

Did you come to get something from God today or did you come to encourage someone else?

If you came to encourage someone else, you might not have known who the someone was, but you came with your smile and gave your handshakes and appropriate hugs, you may have already prayed for someone already. You either knew intuitively or learned from experience that

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

It’s in refreshing others that we are refreshed. It’s in blessing others that we are blessed. We have to look out for the interests of others. We can’t demand our own interests be honoured.

Paul goes on to say we do this… we value others above ourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others… because that’s what Christ did for us.

It is a wonderfully stirring poem Paul goes into as he tries to explain that in our relationships with one another, we’re to have the same attitude as Christ. Who didn’t push himself to the head of the line or demand others get out of the way because He is the Way. God took on flesh. This thing he made from dirt and breathed His Spirit in to give life, that’s what He took on. The immortal took on mortality. The creator became his creation.

Paul’s excitement goes into this wonderful praise of what has happened and what is to come… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Then he writes “Therefore”, meaning “because of this… this is how you should live

— continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

WHY — for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose.

What?

Paul says the same thing another way to church in Corinth…

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them – yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10 NIVUK

You can’t do this on your own. It’s Holy Spirit that makes it possible for you to consider others better than yourself. If you don’t do it with Holy Spirit you do it with painful politeness…and we all know what you’re doing.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10 NIVUK

— Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’

WHY — Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”John 13:35

It is Holy Spirt who empowers you to accomplish every good work prompted by faith. But we also have a role. He’ll help us in our role, but we need to do what He shows us to do.

With that in mind, I present today’s tool.

Do each other RIGHT Tool

R - Release selfish ambition Philippians 2:3a

I - Ignore vain conceit Philippians 2:3b

G - Generate real humility Philippians 2:3c

H - Hold the same attitude as Christ Philippians 2:5-7

T - Transform with Holy Spirit’s help Philippians 2:12-16

R - Release selfish ambition

Philippians 2:3a Do nothing out of selfish ambition…

How do you release selfish ambition?

Regularly pray this psalm:

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

And wait for God to answer. Whatever he shows you that need to confess and repent of, confess and repent of it.

Am I trying to look good or not look bad?

I - Ignore vain conceit

Philippians 2:3b Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit

How do you ignore vain conceit?

This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken! Jeremiah 9:23-24

Take time to be in awe of God. Spend time in his creation, read theoretical astrophysics or anything that makes your brain hurt. See God AS God and you’ll see yourself in a much better light.

Am I doing it because I think I deserve it?

G - Generate real humility

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves

How do you have real humility?

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Humility is not putting yourself down.

You are not your own, you have been bought with a price, you belong to God.

Don’t presume you have to put yourself down to lift someone else up.

You don’t honour anyone by making yourself less. You honour them by seeing them and hearing them and looking them in the eye. In a few weeks I’ll unpack this more. Today I want you know that humility is not putting yourself down. It’s lifting others up.

Am I lifting others up or putting others down?

H - Hold the same attitude as Christ

Philippians 2:5-7 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

How can you have the same attitude as Christ?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)

It was the joy set before him that he could endure. It’s what he’s done for us and what will come that we can have the same attitude.

It’s the attitude that says we’re here to serve and not to be served.

Am I a servant of others or am looking to be served?

T - Transform with Holy Spirit’s help

Philippians 2:12-16 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.

How do we transform?

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)

Am I conforming to the world or am I being transformed?

Does this make me more like Jesus?

Do each other RIGHT Tool

R - Release selfish ambition

Am I trying to look good or not look bad?

I - Ignore vain conceit

Am I doing it because I think I deserve it?

G - Generate real humility

Am I lifting others up or putting others down?

H - Hold the same attitude as Christ

Am I a servant of others or am looking to be served?

T - Transform with Holy Spirit’s help

Does this make me more like Jesus?

The Father’s will is for us to become more and more like Jesus. He’s put us in community to help us lay down our own lives. What if God created marriage to make us holy not happy? What if God created church to make us holy and not happy?

33 Bible verses to help you Consider others better than yourself

Philippians 2:3 ESV Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Romans 12:10 ESV Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour.

1 Corinthians 10:24 ESV Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbour.

John 15:13 ESV Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Leviticus 19:18 ESV You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord.

Galatians 5:26 ESV Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Mark 12:31 ESV The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

1 Peter 5:5 ESV Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Colossians 3:12 ESV Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

James 2:8 ESV If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing well.

Philippians 2:2 ESV Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Ephesians 4:32 ESV Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Galatians 5:14 ESV For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”

1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Acts 24:16 ESV So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.

Luke 14:7-11 ESV Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honour, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honour, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 10:27 ESV And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.”

Matthew 19:19 ESV Honour your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”

James 4:6 ESV But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Galatians 5:13-14 ESV For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”

Proverbs 27:2 ESV Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

John 3:30 ESV He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Matthew 7:12 ESV “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Romans 13:10 ESV Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Luke 6:31 ESV And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

1 John 4:18 ESV There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

1 Peter 4:8 ESV Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 3:8 ESV Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

1 Timothy 1:5 ESV The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Colossians 3:13 ESV Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Philippians 4:13 ESV I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Ephesians 4:2 ESV With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant

Blessing - Day 24 - Podcast - May God help you live in complete harmony…

This Blessing from the Book comes from Romans 15:15. It reminds us that God wants us to live in harmony. Sign up for the full course at http://revtrev.link/blessing #blessing #Bible #encourage #encouragement #hope #trust #faith

Listen to Blessing - Day 24 - May God help you live in complete harmony…

Listen to more episodes and subscribe to the podcast at https://revtrev.com/radio

You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take his yoke that is easy and his burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living LIGHT. Don’t conform but be transformed, so you can have peace, and joy and hope at all times in every situation. Get all the Courses and Resources in Live LIGHT Academy for one low price - Learn more http://revtrev.link/pathway

Verse

Romans 15:5 (HCSB) Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus,

Blessing

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

Reflection Question

Is there anyone I need to forgive or ask forgiveness from?

Can I pray for you?

Lord, I thank you that you are Father, Son and Holy Spirit and that you created us to live in community as well. Help us to honour one another and serve one another and love one another and give preference to one another. Thank you that you make it easy to do when we keep short accounts with each other. If we have difficult conversations ahead, give us the words to say and the love to show. Thank you that you empower us to accomplish every good work prompted by faith. Amen.

You can get the enhanced audio version at https://revtrev.com/radio. But you can only pick your blessing that you need TODAY and get the enhanced video version when you sign up at http://revtrev.link/blessing. Sign up today!