The Point Of All These People

Karen

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

—John 13:34–35

Each day I witness a people parade. I’m sure you see one too. Whether in person, online, or on a screen, the people procession marches on.

You see your spouse, or maybe a roommate, first thing in the morning. Maybe a child crosses your path in need of a little breakfast. Your phone does a buzzing ballet on your kitchen counter alerting you to a friend’s text message. A flowery card arrives in the mail from your grandma. Another swipe of your phone screen again reveals more relationships—from church, family, life.

What’s the point of all these people in the parade?

Scripture says much about how we should and should not treat each other. In fact, the New Testament contains dozens of verses with relational instructions, all containing the telling phrase “one another.”

Today’s passage, John 13:34–35, showcases “one another” verses spoken by Jesus Himself. He is the model for love. His love is sacrificial. Consistent. Unconditional. Without strings attached.

Here’s another “one another” verse we can apply to relationships with the people in our parades: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

As we honor others, we reflect Jesus. We accurately model for others the love of Christ toward us when we seek to love others in the same way. If the Lord Himself put others first, then even though at times it is oh-so-challenging, we can strive to do so too!

We can forget that relationships aren’t easy. I have to remind myself that they require loyalty and steadfast devotion. Sometimes marriages dissolve because feelings fade. We give up on friendships when they get hard. We decide our children have so severely disappointed us that we let our relationships with them dwindle as well. But the command in this portion of Romans is clear: don’t hang up on your relationships; hang in there instead. (I am not speaking of damaging and abusive relationships, of course.)

If our perspective each day can be “I am in it for you” instead of “What is in it for me?” we’ll discover the joy of serving Jesus without expecting anything in return.

Let’s choose today to show a little “one another” living as we honor others and reflect the gospel of Jesus to all the people in our lives. Yes, even that person who rains on your people parade today.

Father, help me look at my relationships with the people in my life as opportunities to show love and reflect the gospel. Give me strength not to grow weary. Help me honor others and love them with the love that You’ve shown me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Find an additional “one another” verse from Scripture and write it below. What relational instruction does this verse give you?