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The “one another” commands of the New Testament are an obligation for believers in Jesus Christ.  Each and every believer must cultivate these virtues within themselves for the benefit of all the rest.  Since we are one body, such a working out of your salvation affects everyone else and theirs affects you.  Each one’s cultivation also affects themselves, whether for good or for ill.  So, taking Pastor’s applicational challenge to pick a handful of “one anothers” that I need to take more seriously and grow up in, I share the following with you.

Perhaps it is necessary, first, to clarify that none of these “one anothers” are accomplished in isolation.  Meaning both not in isolation from other people (as Pastor highlighted), but also not in isolation from the other “one another” commands.  Therefore, what I am sharing with you is a blending of a handful of these commands.

As I consider what my conscience and the Holy Spirit has alerted me to, by means of God’s Word, I am in need of strengthening and growing in 1) exhorting others in a way that is building them up, 2) instructing while being kind and tenderhearted, 3) (perhaps the capstone for the previous two) clothe myself with humility.

If you have been affected by my lack of maturity in any of these areas and feel like sharing specifics with me would be helpful in my growing/strengthening, then I invite you to let me know.  If I have sinned against you, I want to seek your forgiveness.  If you are willing to help me grow, I invite you to disciple me as the LORD allows. 

Would you share with me (or with someone else) what handful of “one anothers” you are committed to growing up in?  I am praying for you all!  May we all strive prayerfully, humbly, honestly, intentionally, earnestly, graciously and patiently with and for one another.