“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). This is a gift our Savior has given us, so that on the spiritual journey we may have companions, learning and growing together, and loving one another.

Watching Over One Another amid Confusion and Challenges

Love is first expressed in exhortation and in watching over one another in the workplace. A sister once fell victim to an online scam. Thankfully, her group members exhorted her in time to let go of greed and not be deceived by lies, thus sparing her from greater loss. In family life, when a brother experienced tension in his relationship with his family, his fellowship members not only comforted and prayed for him, but also courageously exhorted him to relate to his family with the love of the Lord. This served as a profound reminder to the brother. The workplace is also a place where love can be practised. A brother joined a Bible study group led by Christian colleagues, where they watch over one another in the workplace and hold fast to holiness and righteousness. He is grateful that he has encountered spiritual companions even in his company who walk alongside him.

Supporting One Another amid Illness and Storms

When members of the body are weak or ill, the love of the family in Christ becomes especially real. When a sister was hospitalized because of cancer, her fellowship members not only visited her, prayed with her, and read Scripture with her, but also thoughtfully brought her the food she liked and helped her with everyday errands. Another brother, who has long suffered from illness, was not only prayed for by his fellowship members, but they even massaged his weakened legs to prevent muscle atrophy. Such loving service is truly an imitation of the Lord’s sacrificial love.

This kind of support not only comforts the person concerned, but also blesses the family. A sister cared for her seriously ill mother, who had been hospitalized for many months. Her group members continued to visit and encourage them, letting both mother and daughter deeply experience the Lord’s love. Even her mother, who was over a hundred years old, firmly believed that the Lord loved them to the end. Twenty years ago, a sister developed depression because of the pressure of a job promotion. At that time, her fellowship leaders and members persistently visited her and prayed for her. After recovering, she returned to the fellowship and later became both fellowship leader and lay pastor. She often shares with gratitude, “If not for the loving care and support of my fellowship members back then, I might have left my spiritual home long ago.”

Passing on the Faith Together on Life’s Journey

Because of love, many newcomers have found a sense of belonging in the church. After a brother joined a fellowship, the members listened attentively to his questions about faith and responded to them. As they gradually became more familiar with one another, he joined the baptism class and was baptized, giving thanks to God for giving him companions on his spiritual journey. Even more beautiful is that this love can stand the test of time. A group of married couples have walked together in fellowship for decades, holding fast to the truth and watching over one another in love in matters of work, family, and health. Thanks be to the Lord, most of their children have come to faith. Among them, the “second-generation believers” of two couples even got married. In the love of the Lord, their families have become even closer to one another, forming a beautiful continuation of the faith they have received.

Brothers and sisters, what experiences of mutual love among companions come to mind in your life? May we all continue, in the love of the Lord, to be spiritual companions to one another. If you do not yet have spiritual companions, I encourage you to join a fellowship or small group soon, and walk the heavenly path together with other members of the body!