Comfort One Another

"...comfort one another..." - 2 Corinthians 13:11

In the midst of instructing the Corinthians to seek restoration, agreement, and peace, Paul tells the believers to comfort one another. Although we may be experiencing various struggles (even with fellow Christians), we can and should be a comfort to one another.

Just as Paul closes this letter by speaking of comforting each other, so he opened the book: it is the "God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

As you might have noticed, that is a lot of comfort. God is our source of comfort. One of the reasons He comforts us is in order to give us the ability to share that comfort with others.

Greet One Another

"Greet one another..." - Romans 16:16

Often in the closing verses of a book, Paul and others encourage their readers to "Greet one another" (1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14).

This is supplemented by giving "a holy kiss" or "a kiss of love." Culturally, a kiss may not be appropriate, but we can still greet one another in a holy and loving manner.

Instead of ignoring others, we should purposefully involve them in our lives through simply greeting and perhaps physically demonstrating our brotherly love and holiness.

Live in Harmony with One Another

"Live in harmony with one another..." - Romans 12:16

We are to live in harmony with one another, having a "unity of mind" (1 Peter 3:8). It is "the God of endurance and encouragement" who gives us the ability to live in this manner (Romans 15:5). With His grace as our example, we can be gracious to others.

The reason for living in harmony is so "that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15:6). It is all about honouring God with our behaviour toward each other.

Accept One Another

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." - Romans 15:7 (NIV)

We are to accept one another, specifically those who are weaker. This acceptance is not begrudgingly saying someone is okay, but involves joyfully receiving, seeking to please and build each other up. Like guests into our homes, the English Standard Version says we are to "welcome one another."

Christ is our example. Although it may be hard to accept some individuals, think of the greater act of God accepting and welcoming us, sinners to become His children. It is not based on our merit, but on God's abounding love that we are accepted. It is not based on their merit, but on God's abounding love that we accept others.

We are not to accept one another simply because it is something we are supposed to do; instead, we should do it "for the glory of God" (Romans 15:7, ESV). What we do reflects our beliefs about God. Our behaviour toward others either honours or dishonours God. An act of acceptance toward one another is an act of praise toward God.

Exhort One Another

"But exhort one another every day..." - Hebrews 3:13

We can help keep each other accountable by exhorting one another. Temptations to unbelief, falling away, hardness of heart, and sin come daily. Exhortations must also come daily.

Encourage One Another

We are not without hope. Christ will return. The dead will live. All believers will join Him. Forever.

"Therefore encourage one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:18

We are to encourage one another with the hope of heaven. We will live with Christ forever! What could be a more encouraging motivation than this?

We are to continually encourage one another "all the more as you see the Day [of Christ's return] drawing near" (Hebrews 10:25).

Capern-versary

One year ago today I embarked upon a grand adventure.

Searching for my seat, lyrics ran through my head: "I'm leaving on a jet plane; don't know when I'll be back again." The words were literal. Untold hours later, I had flown across a continent and an ocean. I was in England.

I spent the next nine months studying at Capernwray Hall Bible School, learning, building friendships, growing, traveling, and having adventures. How can I express in words all that occurred during those nine months?

Today, another group of students will have arrived at the castle, jet-lagged but excited. What a year they have ahead.

"Remember the wondrous works that He has done..." -Psalm 105:5.