Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

We are rapidly approaching the end of the year, and the end of the decade. For some of us, it seems like we were just waiting for Y2k.  It is a time, though, when we tend to look back on the year(s) behind us and we look forward to what lies ahead.  We think about our struggles and challenges and, hopefully, we reflect on our accomplishments.  We start to think about how we can be better: our families, our health, our jobs, etc.  It’s also a season where we might spend time extra time with friends and family.

We live in an ever-changing, always challenging world.  Our world seems to have become so politically polarized, and it will probably only get worse as we head into another presidential election year.  We need more than ever to love one another and encourage one another, to build one another up and to think of others first.  There are so many ways that we can do that, but God’s word commands us in some specific ways.

Always remember the golden rule.  Jesus said, “whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them” in Matthew 7:12.  The Apostle Paul wrote “love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” in Romans 12:10.

Make sure we are always encouraging and uplifting in our actions and our speech.  The Apostle Paul wrote, “let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion” in Ephesians 4:29.

Always encourage one another to be a better person each and every day.  The Apostle Paul wrote, “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up” in Romans 15:2.  The Hebrew writer wrote in Hebrews 10:24, “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

Have a wonderful holiday season and be sure to fill it with love and encouragement!