June 20 - Loving One Another

Loving One Another

And this commandment we have from Him:

That he who loves God must love his brother also.

By this all will know that you are My disciples,

If you have love for one another.

1 John 4:21; John 13:35

            In the world, you stop extending yourself to build more relationships once you’ve filled your “comfort quota.”  The church doesn’t operate that way.  Thankfully, we’re continually looking for ways to encourage, bless, thank, help, and strengthen people. 

            Based on a friend, Greg Dueker’s observations, may we suggest, or rather offer, these “Top Ten Ways to Build Relationships in a Church.”  (There are many other great ways to meet people, but only ten spots in a top ten list.)

10.  Attend the same Sunday morning service each week - meet the regulars in each section or move to a new section to meet other people (Luke 4:16; Acts 17:2, 3).

9.  Come early or stay longer after a service - it’s a great time to commune with the Lord or converse with your heavenly family (Philippians 4:21).

8.  Attend more than one service each week - our evening services are more leisurely and there’s more time to linger with others (1 Corinthians 14:12).

7.  Write (perhaps on your bulletin) the names of the people you meet during our “greeting time” – that will help you remember their names (3 John 14).

6.  Ask the Lord to show you people you could pray with or talk to - it’s amazing how eager the Lord seems to be to link you with people whom you can bless or encourage 

(Colossians 4:12, 13).

5.  Pray during the week for the people you meet – pray for them by name, and the next time you see them, tell them that you were praying for them (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13).

4.  Talk to other parents while you wait in line to drop off or pick up your children

(1 Peter 5:10; Colossians 4:2-6).

3.  Arrange to get together with parents of your children’s friends during the week – the kids can play while the parents talk and drink coffee (1 Corinthians 16:19).

2.  Host a “pew party” and invite those who sit near you – who can turn down a potluck, picnic, or special dessert?  (Matthew 5:46-48; Acts 2:46).

1.  Find a place to serve in the church - help in the Children’s Ministries Department, in the Library, or at the Tape Counter or Information Center (Philippians 1:3-7).

Consider reading the Word today: