“Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers…Bear one another burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ… We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves… If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you…

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others… Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow… But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven…

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble… Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Galatians 6:10,2; Romans 15:1-2,12:10,18; Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 2:3-4; Isaiah 1:17; Matthew 5:44-45; 1 Peter 3:8; Colossians 3:12-14

Practical ways to love and serve others

How easy is it for you to love other people?

Love one another.

Put others first.

Lean on the Lord for what you need and extend a hand to others always.

Focus your motives and actions for the good of others and you will benefit more than you can begin to calculate.

Your turn …

Beginning today, do at least five things for someone else every day.

With every week, add-on.

Do this and be prepared to receive, receive and receive some more!  Do it!

Journal it … not to pat yourself on the back but in order to be reminded for when the blessings begin.

Now sit for a while and for others pray …

“For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets… By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another… My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

Matthew 7:12; John 13:35,15:12

God loves you so that you can love others!

How to do this as a weekly Bible study

Day One: Experience
Read the entire devotion. Do any verses stand out to you? If so, write it down and work on memorizing it over the week. I personally love the app “Scripture Typer.”

Day Two: Observe & Read
Chain. Look up and chain verses (For example on how to chain verses, see this video).

Day Three: Interpret
Read through the chain of verses starting with the first one. What do they say? Do you notice when it says “never” or “always” or “If, but, however, therefore, all…..”

Day Four: Application
Do “Your turn” and make a list of people that God has put on your heart when you read this.

Day Five: Testify
Who in your life, right now, can you share this with? There is somebody in your life that needs to hear this. Close your eyes. What name came to mind?

Practical ways to love and serve others