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LOVING ONE ANOTHER

John 13:34
Love for one another is an area in which we must all get out of the boat. Many of us are afraid to love the way the Bible says.

1. TEACH AND ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER WITH LOVE
Colossians 3:16,17
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. If you are studying your Bible daily then this will happen. Why study the Bible daily (?) - so that we can then teach and admonish one another.

Sometimes we are so dependent on our disciplers that in their absence, if we have sin to confess or any urgent spiritual needs, we talk to nobody and instead wait for that day or time when we will be with our disciplers. In such a situation, get someone whom you can talk to, in whom the word of god dwells richly.

We each need to have many friends who can teach and admonish us, and not just rely on one person for spiritual guidance.

John 13:12-17
Jesus sets the example that as we teach each other we should do it with love, and not do it harshly.

To admonish is to correct; to put back on the right path.

Mark 10:21
Jesus does here, out of love, we need to have the courage to tell each other the truth about each other. We don't need to do it in a pushy, bossy manner, but in a way that is gentle and humble. Not only is the leader responsible for shepherding the flock, the flock is also responsible for shepherding one another.

2. CONFESS TO EACH OTHER WITH LOVE
James 5:16
The purpose of confession is freedom. As long as you have sin that only you know about, than that sin controls you. But as you open up, you have a burden lifted from you.

The Bible calls us to pray for those who confess to us, not rebuke them. When we respond to people confessing to us by rebuking them, we instill in them a fear of confession. This is not right.

Matthew 26:36-38
Here, Jesus confesses. He is not confessing sin, but he is being open about his feelings. Confession does not have to involve sin. It involves openness with others about what we are going through. Getting angry because someone has sinned does not help them get to heaven.

Hebrews 3:12,13
People need to feel free to confess without the burden of fear.