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Sep
8
L Leader , Susan Hill

What Does It Mean to Love One Another Well?

By Susan Hill

We know that LIFE Groups come in all shapes and sizes but share a common function. One of the core values of a LIFE Group is to Love One Another. The “L” function serves to support, serve, comfort and provide pastoral care to the body of Christ in times of need.
As Christ followers, love should be our defining characteristic. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: love one another. As I loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
In a strong biblical community, there will be plenty of opportunities to both extend and receive love. Loving one another means offering support, comfort, and help in times of need. LIFE Groups are meant to build relationships in which group members truly experience life together.
On a practical level this might mean participating in times of celebration such as weddings, births, anniversaries, and milestone events. Loving each other well means we will also be present in times of adversity such as illness, loss of a loved one, and other types of struggles.
Paul wrote in Romans 12:15 we are to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
So, what are practical ways your LIFE Group shows love to one another?

  • Pray for each other. In seasons of struggle, it is especially important that people are praying for you.
  • Meet tangible needs. This might mean delivering a meal to a sick group member or calling to check in with them. If there is a need too large for the LIFE Group to meet, then you will want to communicate that to church staff.
  • Call, text, and send cards to group members who are going through difficult seasons.

 
When Jesus was asked what the most important command was, he said in Mark 12:30-31, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.”
Let’s do everything we can to make sure we are loving people well in biblical community.