Care for one another

“...there should be no division in the body, but the members should have the same care for one another.” -- 1 Corinthians 12:25

The Greek word for “care for” used here in this verse comes has the sense of “worry or anxiety” when it is focused upon ourselves, but when we focus on others, that same concern becomes a heartfelt desire to meet their needs, to promote their interests, to provide for them, to look out for them.

Read Acts 2:42-47. How did that early Christian community care for one another?

When have you had a recent physical or emotional need that was met by another brother or sister in Christ? Did you sense that God was expressing His care for you through them?

Do you have a tendency to get so consumed with your own needs that it’s hard to see the needs of others?

Who comes to your mind that naturally “cares for” others? What can you learn from them?

Serve one another

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” -- Galatians 5:13

“Each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” -- 1 Peter 4:10 (NASB)

Read the first few verses of the following books and answer the question: How did Paul introduce himself? What terms does he use to describe who he is? What does that teach you?
Romans
Galatians 1:10
Philippians
Titus
Philemon

		In 1989, Mother Teresa visited Phoenix to open a home for the destitute. During that brief visit, she was interviewed by KTAR, the largest radio station in town. In a private moment, the announcer asked Mother Teresa if there was anything he could do for her. He was expecting her to request a contribution or media help to raise money for her new home for the impoverished in Phoenix. Instead, she replied, “Yes, there is. Find somebody nobody else loves and love them.”

Read John 13:1-17. Why do you think Jesus went to all the trouble to make this point?

Have you ever been a waiter or a waitress? What did that experience teach you?

Make a list of all the ways in which you could serve someone if you only had 15 minutes to do it.

Pray for one another

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” -- James 5:16

Read John 17. What strikes you about how Jesus prayed for his disciples?

Read Ephesians 6:18-20. What does Paul specifically request that his friends pray for him?

Who do you feel a desire to pray for these days?

When have someone’s prayers meant the most to you? What situation do you feel you could not have gotten through without prayer? Is it hard for you to ask someone to pray for you?