September 19, 2023
Our own Rev. Lynn Malone writes a blog - “Not The Perfect Pastor.” You can find it by clicking HERE
Ephesians4:1-2nasb
“ThereforeI,theprisoneroftheLord,urgeyoutowalkinamannerworthyofthecallingwithwhichyou havebeencalled,2withallhumilityandgentleness,withpatience,bearingwithoneanotherinlove”
“Studying for a recent message, I was led to reflect on the number of times the New Testament talks about our relationship with “one another.” I was prompted by the Apostle Paul’s admonition to the church at Ephesus…So, here is what I found in my reflection:
Love one another.
Serve one another.
Accept one another.
Strengthen one another.
Help one another.
Encourage one another.
Care for one another.
Forgive one another.
Submit to one another.
Commit to one another.
Trust with one another.
Be devoted to one another.
Be patient with one another.
Be interested in one another. Be accountable to one another. Confess to one another.
Live in harmony with one another.
Do not pass judgment on one another.
Do not slander one another.
Instruct one another.
Greet one another.
Admonish one another.
Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Meet with one another. Agree with one another.
Be concerned for one another. Be humbled to one another in love. Be compassionate to one another. Do not anger one another. Do not lie to one another.
Do not grumble to one another. Give preference to one another. Be at peace with one another.
Be of the same mind with one another. Comfort one another.
Be kind to one another. Live in peace with one another. Carry one another’s burdens.
“By my count, that’s 38 “one anothers” in the New Testament. There are probably more and if I took more time, I’d probably find them, but time is a precious commodity and the deadlines are pressing, so I invite you to add to my list if I missed any. I promise that you won’t offend me if you correct me. Please correct me. It’s called accountability, which is one of the “one anothers.”
“My point is simply this: that’s a lot of “one another-ing!” One another-ing only happens in the context of the Body of Christ. It is what we’re called to as the church. My reflection also raises the question: How are we doing with our one another-ing?
“We’re (I’m) not doing it perfectly, but that’s okay. I’m not perfect. And, the church isn’t perfect. That’s why we (I) need grace. The church isn’t perfect because it is made up of imperfect people. How does the saying go? If you ever find a perfect church, don’t go! You’re sure to mess it up.
“I do think, though, that all this one another-ing is not simply about going to church. It is about belonging to the church. The Church! You know? The Communion of Saints! Yes, that holy, catholic body that exists across time and space, and in all places where the name of Jesus Christ is exalted. Yes, that Church that is, at one and the same time, both global and local. This Church is meant to make a difference in the world, but it will only do so as we grow in our capacity to “one another” properly. We grow by the grace of God in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirt.
“So, how’s your “one anothering” coming along?”
( Lynn Malone ) Used by permission from Lynn’s Blog: “Not The Perfect Pastor” - 9/10/23
