Love One Another
In
John 13 Jesus gave us a new commandment. “Love one another”. It’s the only
commandment he gave us. It’s pretty important.
In
fact, Jesus said that when the world sees how we love one another they will
realize we are his disciples.
Not
when they see the size of our mega-church, or how prosperous we are, or even
how great our music is. When they see how much we love one another.
In
Matthew 22 Jesus summed up “The Law” in two statements. Love God. Love one
another. Do both of those, and you have satisfied the
law.
And,
generally, as we read the Bible and build up “the big picture” in our heads… It
seems that in Old Testament times, God’s dealing with man had more of an
emphasis on the first… Love God.
But
in New Testament times, (i.e., now), God seems to be dealing
with us in a different way. Now his emphasis is on the second… love one
another.
God
has given us the Holy Spirit to live in us and help us choose wisely, to live
in his way. He wants us to focus particularly on one thing… love one another.
I
have seen churches where they have come to this realization and really tried to
love one another. It was a beautiful thing.
But
it’s not easy.
And even if we come to this realization and want to love one
another. How do we do that? What does that
mean?
Some
time ago now, Gary Chapman wrote a book called “Five Love Languages”. If you have never read it. Get one. Read it. This book is
fundamental if you want to love others.
In
the book he describes 5 “languages” or styles of feeling loved.
See
the separate article on Love Languages for more
detail.
Now,
if, for example, your love language is Gifts, but I try to show you love by
Acts of Service… You will not understand what I am saying. I will be saying “I
love you” but you won’t understand it.
If
your language is Gifts, and I want to show you love, I need to give you a gift.
Just
like, if you speak English and I say 愛するよ。You just won’t
understand what I’m saying.
This can revolutionise your church. Not just to love one
another, but to do it in the language of the one being loved.
Find the Gifts people in your church and give them
gifts. (It doesn’t have to be expensive, but wrap it nicely, make some effort).
Find the Quality Time people in your church and spend
time with them focussed on doing what they love doing. (Not just with them, but
focus on them).
Find the Acts of Service people and do something for
them. (This one is tough because these people really struggle to let others do
things for them).
Find
the Physical Touch people in your church and give them a cuddle or a pat on the
shoulder. (In the separate article on Love Languages, I talk about how
Chapman’s “Physical Touch” language may be more about intimacy and not just
touch).
Find
the Words of Encouragement people in your church and compliment them on
something. (But make sure it’s true, and that you mean it).
Loving
one another (in their language) is fundamental to being a successful church.
You have to make this happen.