Christianity is not a solo operation. We all have to do what we all have to do, but we do not have to do it alone.
We might think we are saving other parts of the body of Christ from having to deal with our issues by not sharing. This is not true, for we are spiritually connected. If the hand suffers, the rest of the body suffers too. If the body knows that the hand is suffering, than it can step up and make sure it gets the attention it needs. But if the hand plays it off as if everything is okay, when called upon to act, the hand will fail in its function for the body. So, we must stay open and connected; praying for each other, bearing each otherās burdens, and encouraging each other.
1 Corinthians 10:24 āDo not seek your own good, but the good of the other person.ā
Philippians 2:1-5 āIf therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus.ā
Romans 12:10 āIn love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another.ā
1 Thessalonians 5:15 āSee that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.ā
Galatians 5:13 āFor you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only donāt use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.ā
1 John 3:16 āBy this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.ā
Romans 14:18-19 āFor the one who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people. So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for building up one another.ā
In Action
Be Each Otherās Strength.
Galatians 6:2 āBear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the Law of Christ.ā
Romans 12:15 āRejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.ā
Be Sweet And Gentle.
1 Peter 3:8 āFinally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble.ā
Ephesians 4:32 āInstead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.ā
Serve Each Other.
Mark 10:43-44 āBut it is not this way among you. Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all.ā
Pray In Agreement With Each Other.
Matthew 18:19-20 āAgain I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.ā
Donāt Hide Your Failures From Those You Can Trust.
Ephesians 5:21 āand submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.ā
James 5:16 āConfess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.ā
Romans 12:9-21 āLet love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another; not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless, and donāt curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Donāt set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Donāt be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Donāt seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to Godās wrath. For it is written, āVengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.ā Therefore āIf your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.ā Donāt be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.ā
So now, letās put this all to practice.