“Relating to Others”
A few years ago, Mandisa Hundley, a gospel singer, was one of the twelve finalists on American Idol. When she met with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson to find out if she had made it through to the next round of the competition, she received an unexpected stinging comment from Simon. Eyeing Mandisa, who was heavyset, Simon asked, “Do we have a bigger stage this year?”
When she reentered the room to learn the judge’s verdict, Mandisa looked right at Simon and said, “Simon, a lot of people want me to say a lot of things to you. But this is what I want to say: Yes, you hurt me, and I cried, and it was painful. But I want you to know that I’ve forgiven you, and that you don’t need someone to apologize to forgive somebody. And I figure that if Jesus could die so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven, I can certainly extend that same grace to you. I wanted you to know that.” Simon apologized and hugged her, and Mandisa discovered she had advanced to the next round.
Not simply an idle tale, this illustration weighs in on the issue of how people relate to one another. Biblical instruction includes at least 35 “one another” statements of right relating. A few examples are: love one another, care for one another, be humble toward one another, and serve one another. Love one another is sometimes even referred to as the 11th Commandment.
How well do we relate to one another? Are we following Biblical instruction in relating to one another? Does a day go by when we do not see somewhere an example of people who are not relating rightly? These examples should have some affect upon us in considering how we relate to others, maybe even simply remembering the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would have them treat you.”
In this fallen world it is a given that as long as there are people there will be problems. The question is: are we contributing to the problems in how we relate to one another? If we are seeking to be faithful followers of Christ, then we have informed choices about how to relate to one another, informed by God’s Word with its instruction for us.
For the month of September our worship series will focus upon “How to Relate to One Another.” The theme for each Sunday will include a consolidation of many of the Biblical “one another” statements given for the purpose of right relating. We will look at relating both in terms of how we treat others and responding to how we are treated. Right relating is downright challenging. You are challenged to be in worship for our series on how to relate to one another.
For One Another,
Pastor Kirk
September 5 “Love One Another” To love God and to love our neighbor as our self is how Jesus summarized the whole of Scripture for the living of our life. When we love we fulfill God’s intent for us in our relationship with Him and with one another. How to relate to one another is to love one another.
September 12 “Care for One Another” In His care for us, God calls us to care for one another. Tragically, there are many people these days who couldn’t care less for one another and a multitude of relationships suffer as a result. How to relate to one another is to care for one another.
September 19 “Be Humble toward One Another” Pride has a long history of causing serious problems in our world. With pride causing extensive damage to relationships, there are many biblical warnings against pride and much admonition to be humble. How to relate to one another is to be humble toward one another.
September 26 “Serve One Another” By his life and teaching, Jesus set a tremendous example for us in what we are to do. After washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus said, “I have set you an example; that you should also do as I have done to you.” Jesus humbled himself to serve others. How to relate to one another is to serve one another.