HOW CHRISTIANS BIBLICALLY SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER
By: Dr. Mike Jones
Ephesians 5:21 says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ…” If we correctly understand Godly submission, then we can influence and transform every relationship in our lives. Let’s look at five things we must do in order to submit to one another.
1. Bare Each Other’s Burdens
Burdens can be manifested from various areas of our lives, such as sins, failures, anxieties, and even temptations. Galatians 6:1-2 says that, if a brother [or sister] is caught in sin, those who “live by the Spirit” should “restore that person gently.” This requires more than just a simple rebuke. This requires walking with a person through their trial, mourning with them as they mourn, celebrating as they celebrate.
2. Challenge Each Other
Hebrews 10:24 says it best. “Consider how we might spur one another on toward love and good deeds” I love that word consider. It’s as if Paul is inviting us to get creative. Think of ways you can inspire and motivate each other.
3. Truth Spoken in Love to Each Other
Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds from a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” In other words, your true friends will be the ones who tell you the truth. The key here is that truth happens within the context of relationship. Often, we think we see the “truth” about a person, but we don’t see the whole circumstance because we aren’t in relationship with them.
4. Encourage Each Other
For some of you, encouragement comes really naturally. Perhaps “words of encouragement” is one of your “LOVE LANGUAGES” (how you give or receive). A simple, “You’re doing a great job,” or “I really appreciate you” can go a long way. 1 Thessalonias 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
5. Confess Your Faults
James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Did you catch that? Confess that you might be healed. Confession is hard, but confession is healing. Do you have people in your life who you feel safe to share your secrets with? If not, find these people (Godly people), confess to them, and ask them to pray for you that you might be healed.
During this month of Resurrection services around the world, let us love one another by submitting to each other.
(Adapted from the Teaching “HOW CHRISTIANS BIBLICALLY SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER“: all Scripture references are taken from the KJV unless otherwise noted.)