Love One Another

1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” (Romans 15:1-3, quoting Psalm 69:9)

The most basic identifying character trait of followers of Christ is the love that they demonstrate towards one another. And self-sacrifice is clearly displayed by the lives they live. Jesus made this clear when he said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Paul also taught this when he stated, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). 

Jesus stated the meaning of self-sacrifice before he demonstrated it, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). And Jesus showed that he honored others above himself by dying on the cross. He honored his Father in heaven and sacrificed himself for others. 

These actions, demonstrated by Jesus, are not our natural tendencies or a common way of looking at life. There must be a transformation and a renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). 

True life and true freedom are found in Christ, and in loving and sacrificing for others, we must have the same mindset as Jesus. 

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant (Philippians 2:5-7)