Olivet Baptist Church

Loving One Another

“A mature disciple will follow the essential command of Christ to love other believers. The disciple will maintain significant loving relationships in the body of Christ. He or she will be familiar with their gifts and abilities and  willingly use them to serve others. The mature disciple will serve in at least one ministry in the church and will seek  to encourage others to grow in their relationship with Christ.”



The thirteen chapter of John lays a strong foundation for the way of love. It begins with the disciples at table with their master. He slips off his outer robe and humbly and lovingly washes the feet of his disciples. He models for them the way they should treat one another. And then He describes the love of a disciple. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my       disciples, if you love one another (13:34-35).”



It is easy to love in the abstract. I can

heartily declare my love for all Christians. However, it is only in the context of deep relationships

developed in the church that the reality of love is tested. Are we washing feet? Are we giving of     ourselves to serve one another? Are we using the gifts and talents and skills God has given us to bless our brothers and sisters?



Relationships between church members  reveal whether our love is deep or shallow.  We have the opportunity to grow in love. I say opportunity, because not all will take the relationship     challenges and shine. Many will leave the flock    because it is easier to flee than to mature in our relationships. Let’s not take the easy way out. You are under direct command of the Master: “Love one another as I have loved you…”   We must take up the challenge. Without significant relationships, our rough edges will never get sanded off. Get involved with other Christians in ministry. This is the way you will learn to love like Christ.



Every person is designed uniquely by God. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to each believer. Each person has varied experiences and learned skills. Because of those differences we all have a different role to play. Each unique part of the body of Christ is essential. It is important to the work of Christ’s body that each of us care enough about each other and the lost, to step up to the plate and swing the bat. We must perform our unique role. Anything less is selfishness. We all depend on you.



Now I don’t know why God made the church’s ministry a team sport. He must have known some would go AWOL. He must have known some are simply consumers and self-focused. Still the church is His plan. He has placed the success of His work on each of us and our faithfulness and love. Perhaps that is why Paul says, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love (Gal. 5:6).” Please make it the thing that counts in your life.

Pastor Ed