One another

I have a 4" x 4" framed print that shows two jersey cows. Above their heads, are the words "Let us love" and below it says "One Anudder." I love this silly little knickknack because of who gave it to me.

When I first began teaching adult Bible classes, I taught a lesson on the "one another" verses in the New Testament. You know the ones I mean:

Love one another (John 13:34)
Honor one another above yourselves (Romans12:10)
Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)
Stop passing judgment on one another (Romans 14:13)
Accept one another just as Christ accepted you (Romans 15:7)
Serve one another in love (Gal 5:13)
Be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2)
Be kind and compassionate to one another (Eph 4 32)
Submit to one another (Eph 5:21)
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another(Col 3:13)
Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom (Col 3:16)
Encourage one another and build each other up (I Thess 5:11)
Encourage one another daily (Heb 3:13)
Spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Heb 10:24)
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling (I Peter 4:9)

And, there are more . . .

The relationships among us MUST be important if they are mentioned so often!

As I said, I had just started teaching adult Bible classes, and I wasn't sure I was capable. I worried that I wouldn't have anything worthwhile to offer.

A few days after my 'one another' lesson, a wonderful woman from our church brought me the framed cows with a note thanking me for the Bible study. Her simple gesture of encouragement came at a time when I thought I might not continue teaching. Her kindness led me to try again.

I've often looked at that knickknack and thought that she embodied the lesson of those 'one another' verses. I spoke the words of the lesson, but she -- through her actions -- she taught me the lesson.

She was a master at the art and power of "one-anothering."