Independence

We all recently celebrated Independence Day – otherwise known as the Fourth of July. We celebrate the founding of our nation, our independence from the condition of being a British colony to becoming an independent nation with our own identity. We Americans are proud and thankful for that kind of independence. But it started me thinking about another kind of independence. Besides political independence, there are other kinds of independence: financial, personal and spiritual. We all want to grow up and become personally independence when we don’t have our parents telling us what to do. That carries with is a responsibility and privilege of becoming financially independent.  These are desirable independences.

But the last one is not. We were never meant to be spiritually independent. In fact, spiritual independence is also known as Sin! Isn’t that the core of Adam and Eve’s sin? To do life on their own terms and to not have to obey their Creator?

The point I want to make in this discussion with you is this: in grief we need one another. The Christian life is meant to be a pattern of “one anothering.” Many scriptures speak to this. We are instructed to admonish one another, to instruct one another, to speak the truth to one another, to bear with one another plus to bear one another’s burdens. We are to build one another up. We are to weep with one another.  Don’t do your grief alone! Find other’s to one another you along this path through the valley of shadow. That’s one of the primary functions of our ministry at BASIS. We want to one another you in support groups and fellowship, through the newsletter and this blog. We are available to one another you more personally through correspondence (letters, emails phone calls). We’d love to get together personally, over a cup of tea.

And of course, there are other sources where you will find important one anothering support. But the most important thing to remember is that God’s spirit is always present for you.  You are not alone in your grief. He is your ever present helper in this time of trouble. You can lean into Him as your Comforter.

Here are several one anothering references: Zachariah 7:9, John 13:14, 34, Romans 12:10, 14:13, 15:14, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 4:2,32,5:21, Colossians 3:13, 16, 1 Thessalonians 4:18 ff (encourage one another with thoughts of heaven!), 5:11, Hebrews 10:24, I Peter 1:22,4:9, 1 John 4:7.