We Value Relationships

by Timothy Teuscher

We value relationships; that is, respecting one another as children of God, demonstrating love in all things because He first loved us.” This is the seventh and final value statement identified by pastors, deacons, and lay people from across our synod as part of the Strategic Framework process presented at last year’s synodical convention. It flows, in effect, from all the previous values: Truth, Grace, Unity, Vocation, Sanctity of Life, and Trust.

In other words, if we value the Scriptures as the only rule and norm of our common faith and practice… if we value grace as the undeserved gift of God in Christ to all people and which is to be reflected in our dealings with others… if we value unity and oneness in our teaching and practice… if we value each person’s unique talents as God’s gifts in all stations in life in which He has placed him or her… if we value our life and the lives of others as precious gifts of God… if we value trusting others and striving to also do what we say we will do… then how can we not show respect to others as fellow children of God and reflect His love in our relationships with them?

At times, however, the opposite is the case, isn’t it? Relationships become strained. Disagreements arise. Unkind words are spoken. Divisions take place. It happens in our homes, in our congregations, and also in our synodical family. This is not something unique to us and the times in which we are living—although it may have been exacerbated in recent years by the pandemic, coupled with the contemporary pursuit of individual rather than collective interests, be they in the church or in society in general.

In fact, we see this tendency already in the New Testament churches to whom the apostle Paul writes. Such division was often the catalyst for his epistles. And if there is one common word that underscores his various exhortations to the churches of his day—and, as such, also our day—it is the Greek word allelon, which means “one another.” It is a word that expresses the mutual and communal nature of our faith and life in the church.

What is needed if our congregations and synod are to function effectively and grow spiritually? How do we show love to others because God “loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10)? When it comes to our relationships with others in Christ’s church, what does it mean that, as St. Paul puts it, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:4-5)? The apostle answers, and notice those relationship words “one another.”

We read from Romans: “We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (12:5). “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour” (12:10). “Live in harmony with one another (15:5). “Welcome one another” (15:7). “Instruct one another” (Romans 15:14). “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (16:16).

From Galatians: “Through love serve one another” (5:13). “Bear one another’s burdens” (6:2).

From Ephesians: “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bear with one another in love” (4:2). “Speak the truth in love to one another” (4:25). “Be kind and compassionate to one another” (4:32). “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (5:21).

From Colossians: “Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you” (3:13). “Teach and admonish one another in all wisdom” (3:16).

In short, when it comes to the body of Christ there is no focus on second and third pronouns (i.e., “you” or “they”); when it comes to Christ’s Church, there is instead “we” and “us.” Churches and pastors are “diligently joined together in unity of doctrine, faith, sacraments, prayer, works of love, and the like” (SA II, IV.9), is how the Smalcald Articles of our Lutheran Confessions puts it. To that end, let us pray often these words from the Formula of Concord: “May Almighty God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ grant the grace of His Holy Spirit so that we may all be one in Him and steadfastly remain in this Christian unity, which is well pleasing to Him. Amen.” (FC Ep XI.22)

Rev. Dr. Timothy Teuscher is President of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC).