Authentic Relationships discover the lost art of “ One Anothering ” By Wayne Jacobsen and Clay Jacobsen Chapter 7 Adapted from:

Having a friend to share your journey in uncertain moments and dark stretches will multiply your wisdom and courage greatly. We are not asked to go it alone but to enjoy the resources of others God has placed around us. Part 3 - Sharing the Journey

NIV Galatians 5:13b serve one another Part 3 - Sharing the Journey Chapter 7 - Lightening the Load NIV Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens NIV 1 Thessalonians 5:11 build each other up I don ’ t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found to serve. Albert Schweitzer NIV Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens NIV 1 Thessalonians 5:11 build each other up I don ’ t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found to serve. Albert Schweitzer

Love will cause us to put the needs of others above our own and to do so joyfully Serve One Another Finding ways to practically help others face the demands of life is a significant means of lightening their loads Often we say, “ If there ’ s anything I can do to help, don ’ t hesitate to call. ” However, the last thing on somebody ’ s mind during a crisis is an organized list of what others can do Their usual response is a smile and thank you, but nothing gets done to lighten their burden Finding ways to practically help others face the demands of life is a significant means of lightening their loads Often we say, “ If there ’ s anything I can do to help, don ’ t hesitate to call. ” However, the last thing on somebody ’ s mind during a crisis is an organized list of what others can do Their usual response is a smile and thank you, but nothing gets done to lighten their burden

When a friend is in trouble, don ’ t annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. ” E.W. Howe When a friend is in trouble, don ’ t annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. ” E.W. Howe Serve One Another (cont.) Mow their yard Bring them a meal Pick up their children from school (security issues may prevent this) Leave them an anonymous gift Wash their cars Mow their yard Bring them a meal Pick up their children from school (security issues may prevent this) Leave them an anonymous gift Wash their cars

Serving one another is not always easy Serving from a Heart of Love Again, we cannot meet every need that crosses our path as that would be an overwhelming burden Service to others is not to be a weighty obligation but rather a natural result of walking in the Spirit Serving those we know will happen more naturally However, an act of service to a stranger may start a new relationship. One that might open a life to God ’ s love Again, we cannot meet every need that crosses our path as that would be an overwhelming burden Service to others is not to be a weighty obligation but rather a natural result of walking in the Spirit Serving those we know will happen more naturally However, an act of service to a stranger may start a new relationship. One that might open a life to God ’ s love

What ’ s important is that we let love motivate us as the Spirit makes us aware of opportunities to serve Serving from a Heart of Love (cont.) As we keep our eyes open for the opportunities the Lord brings our way, we will know where we can serve others and do so in love Serving out of obedience alone is slavery Serving with love is a joy As we keep our eyes open for the opportunities the Lord brings our way, we will know where we can serve others and do so in love Serving out of obedience alone is slavery Serving with love is a joy

Some things are just too awkward to carry alone Carry Each Other’s Burdens This fallen world is full of ups and downs, trials, and tribulations for everybody God does not intend for us to go through it alone We do not have to have the “ right words ” or “ right prayer ” to make a difference People in difficult straits rarely need someone that can fix their problem They need someone who will walk with them through it This fallen world is full of ups and downs, trials, and tribulations for everybody God does not intend for us to go through it alone We do not have to have the “ right words ” or “ right prayer ” to make a difference People in difficult straits rarely need someone that can fix their problem They need someone who will walk with them through it

If we focus only on helping one another through the difficult moments, we soon will be consumed with problems and worn out trying to address them all Build Each Other Up “ Building up ” or “ edifying ” one another is simply a way of putting our focus back on Jesus It is not designed to fix a particular problem but to nourish others in the life of Jesus It helps us grow closer to Him and look beyond any current crisis to give attention to spiritual growth that will yield great rewards in days ahead It is to be the prime objective when believers meet “ Building up ” or “ edifying ” one another is simply a way of putting our focus back on Jesus It is not designed to fix a particular problem but to nourish others in the life of Jesus It helps us grow closer to Him and look beyond any current crisis to give attention to spiritual growth that will yield great rewards in days ahead It is to be the prime objective when believers meet

Nourishing one another ’ s spiritual life is simply serving spiritual food and drink to those that cross our paths Build Each Other Up (cont.) It is giving their spiritual battery a jump-start!

Build each other up by sharing: Build Each Other Up (cont.) –What God is teaching you and doing in your life –What you are learning about God ’ s nature that leaves you in awe of Him –What you have been reading in Scripture that has spoken to your heart –How God has made His love known to you or through you to someone else –What God is teaching you and doing in your life –What you are learning about God ’ s nature that leaves you in awe of Him –What you have been reading in Scripture that has spoken to your heart –How God has made His love known to you or through you to someone else

Your sharing will often result in their sharing Build Each Other Up (cont.) Your own journey will then be enriched The depth of fellowship will grow This kind of mutual sharing is the “ bread and butter ” of Body Life This may not always provide immediately noticeable help but will bear fruit in them for years to come Therefore, we must always remember to share practical things, too Your own journey will then be enriched The depth of fellowship will grow This kind of mutual sharing is the “ bread and butter ” of Body Life This may not always provide immediately noticeable help but will bear fruit in them for years to come Therefore, we must always remember to share practical things, too

Carrying one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) Building up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Encouraging one another daily (Hebrews 3:13) Comforting one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18) Stimulating one another to love and good deeds (Heb10:24) Instructing one another (Romans 15:14) Admonishing one another (Colossians 3:16) Praying for one another (James 5:16) Confessing your sins to one another (James 5:16) Being of the same mind toward one another (Romans 12:16) Submitting to one another (Ephesians 5:21) Serving one another (Galatians 5:13)

Discussion Questions Turn to pages 86, 87

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