Greet One Another

Romans 16:16 (NIV) - "Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings." As a spiritual family, we experience joy when we see one another and there are five passages where we are encouraged to express that joy by greeting each other with a holy kiss. So what is a holy kiss? In our western culture, we are accustomed to shaking hands and sometimes embracing (a hug) when we greet someone. In biblical times it was common for friends to greet one another with a kiss on one or both cheeks. This greeting was practiced by the early believers. There was nothing impure nor sexual about it. I think that it is a beautiful expression of the family type of love that we have for one another when we can show that we deeply love one another when we meet by greeting one another with a holy kiss. It serves as a wonderful testimony to those watching us that we truly love one another sincerely.

Agree With One Another

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV) - "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." Amos 3:3 (NKJV) - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" We all have different thoughts, ideas, opinions, and perspectives. That does not mean that these differences should cause division and discord. Paul says in Ephesians 4 that we are to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. We can experience perfect unity in mind and thought through the Holy Spirit. Diversity does not have produce discord or disunity. Even when we have a different opinion on some subjects, we can maintain a spirit of unity and disagree agreeably without causing divisiveness. When we walk in step with the Spirit, there will be agreement. Unity doesn't mean uniformity or that we lose those things that make us unique. Agreement simply means that we don't impose our own way of thinking on others and we don't let petty things divide us. Let us walk in agreement in the name of Jesus.

Speak To One Another

Ephesians 5:19 (NIV) - "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord..." Communication is vital to healthy relationships. Knowing that life and death are in the power of the tongue, we must be careful in the way that we speak to one another. Chapter 3 of James is devoted to the power of the tongue. Words can judge, condemn, and kill; or they can comfort, encourage, build up and impart life. We are to live filled with the Spirit and as a result, have hearts filled with praises for God. With our hearts and mind set on things above, we will then speak words of life to those around us. Don't go through the day without a song in your heart because when you are making music to the Lord, it has a positive impact on the words that come out of your mouth. Good things in your heart = good things coming out of your mouth. Speak life to one another.

Submit To One Another

Ephesians 5:21 (NIV) - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Submission is an often misunderstood concept that is sometimes viewed as bad or negative. However, mutual submission is very important in a relationship when it is correctly understood. It doesn't have to do with being under the control of someone, but has to do with how we value and respect one another. To submit means to give over or yield or surrender to the authority of another. It means to defer to another's opinion, judgment, or decision. When mutual submission is done out of reverence for Christ, it will never be about manipulation of control of others, but rather, with total value and respect for the other person, it is the surrender of oneself to another knowing that they will protect what is in your best interest. This can only be done when we are first submitted to Jesus as our Lord and Master. Then we will unselfishly look out for what is best for those who entrust themselves to us. I submit to Christ, you submit to Christ, then, - we submit to one another.

Admonish One Another

Colossians 3:16 (NIV) - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Admonish is not a common, everyday word in most vocabularies. So, what does it mean? To admonish means to caution, advise, warn, or counsel against something. It also means to urge, reprove, or even scold, but in a mild, gentle, good-willed manner. It is human nature to not want to be told what to do or not do by others. That is why admonishing is best when done with all wisdom. We all have blind spots, things we don't see clearly, decisions to make where we may not understand all of the consequences. It helps so much to have someone who cares enough about you to admonish you. What they may see that we don't see can save us from much sorrow and heartache. That's why a true friend will tell you the truth even if it hurts because it shows that they really care about you. Thank God for the faithful wounds of a friend like that.

Encourage One Another

1 Thessalonian 5:11 (NIV) - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) - "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." These days especially, people need to hear encouraging words. Words that inspire, build up, motivate, and strengthen those around us. Encouragement is that which serves to incite, support, promote, increase confidence, and give incentive. People facing the daily grind often get drained of energy, and begin to lose heart and courage. The need a 'boost' in the same way that a battery that has been drained needs to be jumped and recharged. Our words of encouragement can restore and give renewed life to those who are despondent and discouraged. Let us speak encouraging words daily to those who are in need of them.

Spur One Another

Huh? Spur one another? What's that all about? Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." In place of the word 'spur', the NASB uses stimulate, AMP uses stir up (incite), NLT uses motivate, KJV uses provoke. As a noun, a spur is a U-shaped device that slips over and straps to the heel of a boot and has a blunt, pointed, or roweled projection at the back for use by a mounted rider to urge a horse forward. As a verb, the dictionary defines spur as: to urge or incite, impel, stimulate, inspire, induce, instigate to action. It is a way of encouraging someone to move forward and do good, showing love and taking action to help and serve others. We all need to be spurred sometimes. Spurring is not done to hurt nor to harm, but rather, to cause someone to move into positive action. Let us spur one another.

Forgive One Another

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Colossians 3:13 (NIV) - "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." We all need to be forgiven by others because in our humanity, we all make mistakes, we all offend, we all fall short at times. We are encouraged to show kindness and compassion to those in need of forgiveness. Guilt and shame can really bring a person down; spiritually, emotionally, and physically. When we offer forgiveness instead of judgement, tenderness instead of harshness, we can help bring peace and healing. We are told to forgive others in the same way that God forgives us. God forgives completely, not based on our worthiness but rather on our need. He forgives and forgets. He does not hold our offenses against us. He forgives us over and over again. Jesus said that when we pray we are to say: "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." Let us willingly offer forgiveness to those in need of it.

Bear One Another's Burdens

In a relationship you can either be a bear or help bear burdens. Everyone need help carrying their burdens sometimes and we are never more like Jesus than when we come alongside someone to help ease and lighten the load. Ephesians 4:2 (NKJV) "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (NIV) - "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." We need to be available to those who are burdened, whether the burden is physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, or any other type of problem that may be too much for one to carry. Two are better than one. When one is weighed down, some one's help can make a huge difference. The lyrics of a great song say: "Lean on me, when you're not strong; and I'll be your strength, I'll help you carry on." You can help me with my burden and I can help you with yours. We all need that kind of support at one time or another. Who do you know that needs your help today? Reach out help lift the load, carry the burden, show your support.

Serve One Another

Galatians 5:13,14 (NIV) - You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Selfishness and self indulgence is at the heart of sin. It thinks only of self ("what I think, what I want, what I need") and has no regard for the other person. Love and freedom are to be expressed in caring and serving others. Consideration for others and their needs is the real way to show love. There are so many practical ways that we can bless others. Simply be aware of others and their needs and you will find that there are unlimited number of creative ways to serve others. Think of someone that you can serve today and take some time to be a blessing.

Accept One Another

We all long for acceptance. To be embraced and loved in spite of our faults, shortcomings, and weaknesses is something we all need. The Bible says we have been accepted by Our Heavenly Father because of our standing in Jesus Christ, His Beloved Son. Based on that acceptance, we are to do the same. Romans 15:7 (NIV) - "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Acceptance means to: taking or receiving favorably, to give approval, favor, to give approbation. In the same way that we are validated and made secure when someone accepts us as we are, let us accept one another. Remember that we ourselves are not perfect. Be open to receive others and leave the changing and transforming job to the Holy Spirit. This pleases the Lord since He accepts us just as we are.

Harmony With One Another

Romans 12:16a (NIV) - "Live in harmony with one another." Being a musician, I have an appreciation for harmony. I definitely appreciate harmony as opposed to discord. The whole verse in the Amplified Bible reads this way: "Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits." I think that's pretty clear. The dictionary defines harmony as: agreement, accord, pleasing arrangement, congruity, concord, unity, peace and friendship. Even though each of us is different, it is great when we are able to adapt and come into harmonious relationship and agreement. This makes our lives peaceful and pleasant. Let us take this word to heart and strive to live in harmony one with another.

Honor One Another

Honor is very important in relationships. It benefits the relationship when there is respect and consideration for the other person and you put them first. Romans 12:10b (NIV) - "Honor one another above yourselves." To honor someone is to: value, esteem to a high degree, hold as precious, apply high worth, to give high distinction, to show respect for, to have high estimation for, to regard with admiration. Author Tony Campolo says that we assign a value to people and treat them accordingly. If that value was based on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being someone you highly value - then honoring others is treating them as if they are a 10. Treat others with honor, in the same way you would want them to treat you. Put others above yourself.

Be Devoted To One Another

Romans 12:10a (NIV) - "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love." What does it mean to be devoted to someone? The dictionary defines devoted as: To give or apply (one's time, attention, or self) entirely to a particular activity, pursuit, cause, or person. It also means to be loyal of faithful to someone and implies dedication. The Greek word used in this verse is philosorgos which means to have kind affection for someone. It is best demonstrated the loving dedication one has for his own family. We are to be devoted to one another as if they were our family - brother or sister, father or mother - which we are, since God is our Father and we are His children. We are to give ourselves to sharing, caring, protecting, and attending to one another. Devote yourself to those of the household of faith.

Love One Another

Jesus said that the first and foremost commandment is to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength; and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. To love one another is most important because it serves as a reflection of our relationship with God. We are to love and do good to all but especially to those who belong our faith family. Consider once again, Jesus' words to His disciples in John 13:34,35 (NIV) - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Loving one another is not merely having affection or feelings of love for others but, rather actively demonstrating commitment to care for the well being of others. Romans 13:8 (NIV) - "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Jesus is our model in how to show love for one another. Let us be intentional in loving our family.

Relating One To Another...

For the rest of the month of May, I want to share some thoughts on relationship. We have vertical relationship (our relationship with God); and we have horizontal relationships (our relationships one with another). Both are of great importance in our life. The quality of our relationship with God is demonstrated by our relationships with other people - especially family and friends. Jesus said that the greatest witness we would give to the world would best be seen in the love relationships we have with one another. There are more than 60 references in the New Testament referring to how and why our relationships with others are of such vital importance. I will be commenting on a few of those verses in the coming days. In the meantime, be good to one another. God's blessings to all of you!

Good Hope

My prayer for you is that, whatever you are going through, you may be filled with the good hope that comes from our Heavenly Father. Through faith, be certain that what you hope for will become substance. Along with faith and love, hope is essential to our spiritual well being. Hold fast to it. 1 Thessalonians 2:15-17 (NIV) - "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." Stability, encouragement, and strength are yours as long as you continue to hope and trust in Him, His everlasting love and grace.

Hope In Jesus Christ

Jesus said that the wise man builds his house on a rock so that when the rain falls, the wind blows and beats against it, the house will stand because of it's foundation. It definitely matters what you build your hope upon. Around 1834 the lyrics to the hymn Solid Rock were written by Edward Mote. I include a couple of the verses and the chorus here for your consideration:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus' Name.

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Hope As A Helmet

When it comes to our spiritual life, guarding our hearts and minds is of vital importance. That is why we must take Paul's counsel that we always wear the full armor of God. Consider this verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NIV) "But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." The breastplate protects the heart and the helmet protects the mind. The mind of the believer is the battlefield. When our thoughts are on the hope of our salvation, which is Jesus, our mind is guarded and protected. Keep your eyes and thoughts on Jesus and he will keep your mind safe and secure and in peace. Doing this, we will stand sure no matter what the enemy tries to do to defeat us.

Firm Hope

The hope that we have in God is firm when it is based on the faithful promises of God. We can be sure of what we hope for because God always comes through for those who trust in His word. 2 Corinthians 1:7 (NIV) - "And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort." God is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all of our troubles according to His promise in this chapter. We cannot avoid pain and suffering, however, we can definitely count on God's comfort. Paul says in this same passage in verse 10 that God has delivered us, will deliver us, and will continue to deliver us from peril and despair. We can set our hope on Him. We have the testimony of His comfort in the past, presently, and that gives us confident hope for future comfort and deliverance. Let your hope be firm.

One Hope

There are seven essential things that unite us in the Spirit. There are many things that are non-essential on which we can have different opinions. But, all of us how have placed our faith in Jesus Christ share one hope. Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV) - "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." We all embrace the same hope! It unites us. We have been adopted into God's family as His sons and daughters, have a new spiritual DNA and are a new creation in Christ Jesus. We will be glorified together with Him. It is this hope that inspires and motivates us to live the Christian life. John says that everyone who has this hope lives pure as He is pure.

Anchored By Hope...

The purpose of an anchor is to hold fast and firm, secure, stabilize, and support. It keeps a boat, ship, or sea vessel steady and and prevents it from drifting or being moved. Hope is an anchor for us as well. Check out these verses in Hebrews 6:17-19a (NIV) "Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." God's firm and confirmed promise to us serves as a secure anchor for our souls. We are secured and made stable by holding on to this hope as an anchor. It keeps us from being tossed to and fro by the winds and waves of life. Hold fast to God's promises and you will be firmly anchored regardless of what may come your way.

Hope And The Word

One of the important functions of the written Word of God is to instruct us and inspire hope in us. As we are introduced to men and women in the Bible who faced obstacles and seemingly insurmountable odds yet held on to hope and prevailed, we are encouraged to persevere. Romans 15:4 (NIV) - "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." The stories of the struggles of people who are no different than us - running their races, fighting their fights, holding on to faith and trust, never giving up gives us hope and therefore strength to continue our journey. If the endured - so can we! Open up the Word and be inspired by these stories. The Word will build up your hope!

Know The Hope...

Spiritual perception is needed in order to 'know the hope.' Hope is not something you see with your natural eyes, nor merely feel emotionally, but, it is something that you know deep within your heart or spirit. Part of Paul's prayer for believers in Ephesians 1 is that we might have the spiritual insight to know the hope to which God has called us. Ephesians 1:18 (NIV) - "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints..." God has called us to the glorious hope that is given to His children. To be glorified with Him. Colossians 1:27 (NKJV) "To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Our hope stems from knowing what God has promised to do in, through, and for us; transforming us to be justified, sanctified, and glorified along with Jesus Christ! Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus and His righteousness. What a hope we have! Know it!

Joyful In Hope

Hope is a great source of joy. These days it is easy to lose your joy as you deal with the daily pressures that can cause you to become discouraged. It is the anticipation and expectation of a favorable future that restores your joy. Romans 12:12 (NIV) - "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) - "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Hope will keep you focused on God and His promises, which will make you grateful and remind you to prayerfully give your cares and concerns to God. This will restore your joy and maintain your hope. Rejoice daily in hope! God is faithful and He will come through for you.

Hope Renews Strength

Hope placed in God will keep you strong. Consider these verses from Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV) - "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Another version uses the word wait instead of hope. Vitality and stamina to persevere in life's journey doesn't come from stopping to rest, but rather, from continuing to trust and hope in God. He is the source of strength. Strength and power are given by God to those who confidently hope in Him. No matter your age or condition, strength for the race will come to you as you daily put your hope in God. So if you are feeling faint, weary and exhausted today, look up in hope - strength and power are yours.

Hope And A Future

God has great promises and plans for us. We are not merely wandering aimlessly through life - wondering where we will end up - we have a predetermined destiny. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." The Message puts the same verse this way: "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." It is good to know that God has plans, good plans, and that He knows. Those plans may include difficult times and pain, but, ultimately they are for our prosperity and well being. We must trust God's plan for us and not look back, but look forward with hope to the future that He has for us. Be comforted, strengthened, and encouraged by this promise from the Lord. We have a favorable future to look forward to.

Hope Deferred...

Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) - "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." When you hope for something, you await it's fulfillment with excitement and anticipation. When it does not happen in the time you expect, - the disappointment can make your heart sick. It can take an emotional and even physical toll on you. Having to wait can make your hope diminish and deplete your faith and resolve. On the other hand, it is so exciting when what you hope for is realized. A hope that comes into fruition can refresh, re energize, and revitalize. It is life-giving and life-sustaining. Give your hopes, dreams, and desires to your loving Heavenly Father. Don't become discouraged if the fulfillment takes longer than you would like. God has His own timing and wisdom. He will answer in His time. Wait on the Lord, keep hope alive!

Hope In God!

In Psalm 42:5; 42:11; 43:5, David asks two questions with one great answer. In both of these Psalms, he is going through some difficult, despairing, discouraging times that have left him despondent, depressed, disturbed and downcast. (My question is why so many of these words start with a D? :)) Check out the verse that is repeated 3 times (NIV) - "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Seasons of testing have a way of emptying and draining us - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We find ourselves with many questions, anxieties and uncertainties. People can even cause us to doubt by asking, "Where is your God? We may sigh and we may cry. There is only one good answer in these situations. Put your hope in God! It's not over. You will sing and praise again! God will come through for you. Don't give up hope, child, things are gonna get easier, things will get brighter. Weeping may endure for a night but joy is coming in the morning.

Overflowing Hope

In these days of gloom and despair with so much negative talk and outlook around, I'm sure we could all use some hope - not just a little dab but enough to overflow. Hope comes from trusting God. Check out this verse in Romans 15:13 (NIV) - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Notice several things from this verse:
1) God is the source of hope - The God of hope.
2) When you put your trust in Him, the result will be fullness of joy and peace.
3) Hope fills us to overflowing by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Those who are filled and overflowing in hope can now be an encouragement to others around them who may be struggling and losing hope. Share some hope filled words with someone who you meet that needs a dose of hope. You will be encouraged as well.

HOPE!

I'd like to spend the first couple of weeks of May with some thoughts on the subject of Hope and then the last couple of weeks talking about relating one to another. Hope is one of the three essential elements in our relationship with God. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV) - "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." Surrounded by faith and love, hope must be nurtured and kept in our hearts. Let's begin by defining hope. Hope means: to anticipate, to long for, fervent desire, to look forward, to have confident expectation. It is similar to faith and reaches forward to embrace God's promises and His goodness. We cannot live without hope. Hope gives us the motivation to keep on moving forward in anticipation of something better. We will be examining several Bible verses that will unfold for us the beauty of hope.