Essence: Devotion to One Another (Romans 12:10)

a discussion series from the pages of -
Authentic Relationships: Discover the lost art of “one anothering”
by Wayne and Clay Jacobsen
ISBN 978-0-8010-6451-7

Lesson Focus: Devotion to One Another
(It’s Not All About You – chapter 4 p.45-54)

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; (Romans 12:10 NASB)

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:10 NLT)

If we are going to participate in the joy of one anothering, we need to let Jesus rewire our thinking so that we are even more aware of others than we are of ourselves.  (p. 46)

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 NLT)
This statement is the conclusion of a lesson Jesus taught the disciples about being more aware of others than we are of ourselves. Listen to the context of this lesson. [Read Mark 10:32-45]

What did Jesus do to help them rewire?
But . . . what happens when we try to put everyone else’s needs before our own?

As always one anothering is divinely created out of our love and trust in God. Jesus never did anything in his own power. He always acted on the will of his Father. The Holy Spirit knows nothing about burnout.

Expectations are relationship killers!
Jesus didn’t lace his relationships with expectations, and he refused to be trapped when others sought to put their expectations on him. (p. 50)
When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:32 NLT)
The popular saying is true: “Expectations are resentments waiting to happen.” We sabotage many of our relationships by imposing expectations on others or trying to meet theirs. It cannot be done. (p. 50)

When we substitute something like commitment for affection, we mistake the shadow for reality. As we experience God’s affection for us, we will find ourselves having affection in our heart for others.

Wrap Up:  Remember, one anothering is about devoting ourselves to those God chooses. Out of those relationships we will be blessed with a small group of believers with whom we walk together on this journey of one anothering. Look around and praise God! Saving the planet is His job.