Being One-Another Minded

I wasn’t in the “in-crowd” growing up. You know — the crowd where everyone knew each other — gathered together in their little groups, ate together, in clubs together, hung out together at recess. I was a shy child. I know that’s hard to believe. Instead of going to the outgoing kids, my mom coaxed me to look for the other kids who are by themselves. She told me to show interest in them and ask questions about what they like. “If you care for others, you won’t be lonely yourself.” That nudging from my mom still serves me well today. At first it was hard to overcome my nervousness to talk to others I didn’t know. But over time, I learned to say hi to any girls who were sitting alone. I became more comfortable and now – here I am, many decades later, and I still follow my mom’s advice when I’m in a room filled with people I don’t know. Look for the lonely. I assure you. They are just hoping someone will speak to them.

It’s easy to walk into a crowded room and either stick with the people we know or hide in a corner with a phone. Yet this verse tells us otherwise: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10) We’re instructed to consider others. Introverts have difficulty making that first move toward a stranger. Believe me. I know. But as God’s children, we step out of our comfort zones and reach out as a service to the Lord — looking for the lonely, looking for ways to bless others. “One another” is mentioned twice in that scripture. It shows us how important loving others is to God. Opening up the medicine cabinet right with the CURE for loneliness and shyness. Being “one another” minded. When we purposelly look to serve others, our shyness will melt away and we will make heart-to-heart connections.

I really wasn’t outgoing, but I learned “to have friends, show yourself friendly”. Now I have so many brothers and sisters in Christ. Please dear friends know that you are not alone! You are part of God’s beautiful, loving family. What if we began to pray and humble ourselves to become God’s servants who live a life of ONE ANOTHER LIVING? “What can I do for you? What can I do for others that helps them to win?” We’re ALL on the same team — we’re God’s kids, and we represent our Father. Everyone will know us by being on the LIGHT side by our love for one another. All for ONE — ONE for all.