A while back I got a comment on Instagram after posting a picture with one of my favorites about how our friendship embodies the ‘one anothers’ so powerfully - the comment struck me then and has continued to churn in my heart ever since. I have always had a lot of friends - I have gotten mocked throughout my life for having too many besties and have taken to calling best friend a “tier” rather than a person because who could ever pick just one. I love to laugh and adventure with people, to sit across tables for coffee and hear hearts and passions, exchange ideas and thoughts, and grow. However, in truth there are only a select few who know the deepest parts of my heart - who are allowed into the darkness and have chosen to carry me well even in those spaces.
This morning I was listening to a sermon and it was describing the walk of Christ with the 12 disciples, but the depth of His friendship with His closest 3 and I was struck again by this idea that to truly follow His model, we have to walk intimately with just a few, share life closely with a slightly larger circle, and then be in community with many. I do want to be a person who embodies the one anothers (there are 59 of them in total) and I want to be the kind of friend who is known for coming close and leaning in, showing up and pouring out, for being faithful. To do that well, the circle must be small - I want to cherish and hold dear and love intimately. I know who my people are and though it has been a painful road to determining who to let go of and where to lean in, I have seen the Lord so faithfully ease the wounds and provide guidance and direction. Now it is time to dance with those the Lord has called me to love regardless of geographic location or stage of life - it is time to boldly embrace the one anothers and live in the fullness of what the Lord has created for friendship. What a beautiful challenge…
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
build 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 judgement 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 deed
meet with one another
agree with one another
be concerned for one another
be humble to one another in love
be compassion 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 to one another
comfort one another
be kind to one another
live at peace with one another
carry one another’s burdens
No comments:
Post a Comment