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January - February 1999 The Sabbath Sentinel

How to Love One Another in Our Assemblies

Calvin Lashway

In the New Testament there are at least thirteen references to the fact that Christians should love one another (John 13:34-35; 15:12,17; Romans 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11,23; 1 John 4:7, 11, 12; 2 John 1:5). In what is probably the most famous of these references, Jesus says:

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). (All scriptures quoted are from the New American Standard Bible, unless otherwise stated.)

The Sign that Identifies Jesus' Disciples

This love for one another actually becomes a sign that identifies Jesus' disciples. If someone were to visit our assembly on the Sabbath, would they see our love for one another? Would they see a gathering of the disciples of Christ? How are we to love one another when we assembly with other Christians? Paul answers this in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

"Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant…" in verse 4 shows us the following:

  • We need to be patient with the shortcomings and irritating personalities of fellow Christians.
     
  • A gathering of brethren provides us with an opportunity to be kind.
     
  • We must not be jealous of another person's responsibilities or gifts.
     
  • Every disciple should cease bragging to others about his responsibilities or gifts.
     
  • Not to be arrogant about our own spiritual gifts or knowledge.

"[Love] does not act unbecomingly ["rude," New King James Version]; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered . . ." in verse 5 instructs us to:

  • Be polite to each other and don't act rudely during a fellowship meeting.
     
  • Seek to give to others, not seeking for others to give to us.
     
  • Be patient with each other and don't get easily provoked or upset over something said or done. We must avoid keeping track of the wrongs done to us by brethren, living the principle of forgiveness explained in Matthew 18:21-35.

"[Love] does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth . . ." in verse 6 shows us to:

  • Not to be happy or joyful about the evils befalling others, even when they bring it on themselves.
     
  • Express joy over what is true. We can do this in prayer, songs and in conversation with others.

"[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things," in verse 7 tells us to:

  • Put up with each other, and be patient with the shortcomings and faults of our brethren. Don't be suspicious, doubtful, and mistrustful of the motives and actions of others in the fellowship.
     
  • Take a positive approach to what others are doing and saying -- always hoping for the best. Sometimes we just have to put up with someone who is very irritating.

"Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away." This final verse 8, says that:

  • We should never abandon or give up on a fellow member of our assembly. Even if that person has to be disciplined, and asked to stay away from our gatherings.

By applying the principles of 1 Corinthians 13 in our assemblies, every person who visit with us will know that we are Jesus' disciples, because they will see the love we have for one another.

Calvin Lashway lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he meets with an independent home fellowship group. He can be reached at rlashway@nmsu.edu.

TSS

January - February 1999 The Sabbath Sentinel