A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. Galatians 5:13-15
Sir Edmund Hillary and his guide Tenzing Norkay made history in 1953 by climbing Mount Everest. Their accomplishment required remarkable skill and courage, but there was another element that ensured their success.
Descending from mighty Mount Everest, Hillary lost his footing and feared for his life. Instinctively, Tenzing held the line taut, firmly planted his ax into the ice, thereby preventing their otherwise unavoidable deaths. Hillary soon recovered his footing, and the two adventurers completed their descent.
Learning about the climbers’ perils, the press later called Tenzing a hero. He refuted the glory and refused to take any credit. Instead, he was quoted as saying: “Mountain climbers always help one another. It’s a routine part of their profession.”
Shouldn’t it be “routine” for Christians to lift each other up? Shouldn’t it be a matter of course that we encourage one another – or that we build each other up? And yet, all too often an erring or broken brother or sister meets with condemnation or criticism from their Christian brothers.
It has been said that the Christian Army is the only army on earth that shoots its own wounded soldiers. Sad commentary for those who Jesus said would be recognized by their love for one another.
I’m challenged to attempt to help a brother or sister who has lost footing. By God’s grace, I choose not to push them over the precipice. I want to routinely help those who have fallen.
Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
With Love,
Mike