But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? – 1 John 3:17
Using People vs. Loving People
As followers of Christ, we are called to love and serve one another. When we talk about using people, we must remember that our actions should be grounded in genuine love. Instead of seeking self-interest, we should strive to build meaningful connections. This means seeing every individual we encounter as a beloved person, created in God’s image. Let us reflect on how our interactions can be filled with love, showing that we truly value each other.
1 John 4:21
And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. – 1 John 4:21
1 John 4:20
If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? – 1 John 4:20
Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. – Philippians 2:3
Galatians 5:13
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. – Galatians 5:13
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. – Romans 13:10
Servant Leadership
As we reflect on the concept of servant leadership, we see that true leaders do not use others for personal gain. Instead, they lift those around them, empowering and encouraging them. In our pursuit of leadership within our organizations or communities, we must remember that our influence should be employed to inspire and uplift rather than exploit. By serving others, we model Christ’s love and grace in our lives.
Mark 10:43
Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. – Mark 10:43
Matthew 20:26
But whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant. – Matthew 20:26
John 13:14
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. – John 13:14
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
1 Peter 5:2
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly. – 1 Peter 5:2
Respecting Boundaries
When it comes to our relationships, we recognize that respecting each other’s boundaries is critical. Each one of us is an individual with feelings, thoughts, and the right to make our choices. We should strive to connect deeply but not to the point of pressure or misuse. It’s essential to honor the uniqueness of others and encourage healthy relationships built on trust and respect. In doing so, we nurture a community rooted in love.
Romans 14:13
Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. – Romans 14:13
Matthew 7:12
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12
Proverbs 25:17
Withdraw your foot from your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you and so hate you. – Proverbs 25:17
Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. – Romans 12:10
1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. – 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Promoting Integrity in Relationships
Integrity lies at the heart of our relationships with one another. When we strive for honesty and transparency, we can build trust and deep connections. We must remember that our interactions with others should reflect Christ’s love and truth. Living with integrity means we respect and value others without objectifying them for our purposes. Let us be intentional about cultivating relationships where honesty reigns.
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them. – Proverbs 11:3
Ephesians 4:15
But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ. – Ephesians 4:15
Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds. – Colossians 3:9
Proverbs 10:9
He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known. – Proverbs 10:9
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. – Philippians 4:8
Building Each Other Up
Our role as believers is to lift each other up in faith. Instead of viewing one another through a transactional lens, we are called to support and strengthen each other in love. By engaging in this way, we can create a culture of encouragement that flourishes within our communities. Let us commit to being a source of strength for one another, ensuring that we are always promoting faith and trust rather than using each other for personal gain.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. – Ephesians 4:29
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering. – Colossians 3:12
Romans 14:19
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. – Romans 14:19
Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, – Hebrews 10:24
Self-Reflection and Accountability
Lastly, we must also consider our own motives in relationships with others. Are we truly seeking to serve, or are we indulging in self-serving behavior? Engaging in self-reflection allows us to realign our intentions and seek opportunities to love and serve genuinely. By holding ourselves accountable, we can ensure that our relationships remain healthy and respectful, free from the burden of exploitation and manipulation.
James 4:1
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? – James 4:1
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. – 2 Corinthians 13:5
Galatians 6:3
For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. – Galatians 6:3
Psalms 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalms 139:23-24
Matthew 12:36
But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. – Matthew 12:36
Final Thoughts
As we think about the topic of using people, we are reminded of the love and respect we should show to others. Each individual deserves our kindness and support rather than being viewed as a means to an end. It is essential for us to choose to love genuinely, serve faithfully, and foster integrity in our connections. Through our words and actions, we can uplift each other, creating an atmosphere of encouragement around us.
I encourage us all to take a step back and examine our relationships. Are we treating others with the love Christ teaches? Let’s spread kindness and be aware of our motives in every interaction. By doing this, we can reflect the heart of God in all that we do.
If you want to explore more biblical principles of love and unity, I invite you to read about loving our brothers in 1 John 4:21 and the importance of honest love found in 1 John 4:20.