Be Devoted to One Another, Part 3

Be devoted to one another in love (Romans 12:2). Are we? That is the question isn’t it? Is that the kind of devotion that we have for one another? Having that kind of devotion for each other, fostering that kind of devotion, means being intentional about working on several fronts.

First, it means we need to be growing in humility. We have to be willing to put the needs of others ahead of our own. When we say things like…

“It’s not my place to help him.”

“It’s not my job to do that for them.”

I don’t want to help her.”

…we are not living as a humble servant of Jesus Christ. When we think like that we are not able to be devoted to one another. Remember, being humble does not mean thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less and thinking more about the needs of others.

Second, it means we need to be loving one another as we love ourselves. Jesus stated the same thing a different way when He said in Matthew 7:12 (NIV) So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Not treat people as they treat you, but treat them how you would want them to treat you.

• When I hurt someone, I want them to forgive me.
• When I struggle, I want people to be patient with me.
• When I am in trouble, I want to be able to find people who can help me.
• When I am in pain, I want to be comforted and encouraged.

If that is how I want to be treated, then loving you as I love myself means,

• When I am sinned against I will forgive, quickly and completely.
• It means when I see people struggling I need to be patient with them and not get angry or judgmental.
• It means when I see someone in need, I’m going to reach out and help them right away.
• It means when I see that you are in pain I will take the time to sit with you, listen to you and comfort and encourage you.

We need to love one another as we love ourselves.

Third, we need to be ready and willing to give support and encouragement to one another. David knew that if he could get to Jonathan he would get help. Are you a “Jonathan” that people can go to in times of trouble? If there is anything experience has taught me, it is that there are many Davids around who are running looking for help and protection from the Sauls of the world, but there are precious few Jonathans to whom they can go to to find help. We need to each be working to be that person. The person of whom our fellow Christians say, “I know who I can go to. He will give me the help I need. She will not turn me away. He will be gracious and generous to me. She will help me and not judge me.”

Living for God through Christ means being humble, loving others as ourselves, and being willing to support and encourage one another. In doing that, we prove to one another and the world that we are devoted to one another in love, just as Christ is to us.