Cherish each other?

Why is it so hard for Christians to cherish each other?

Let the question sink in for a bit, and see if that rings true in your experience.

One of the definitions of the act of loving is to cherish, which can also be worded: to highly value, and to keep highly in one's thoughts.

Jesus commands us in John 13:34 that we "love one another" as He loves us, or to value and often consider each other in the same way that Christ does of each of us.

I find myself to be lacking in this area. It's so easy for my mind to shift away from thinking about and considering those in need, even if my heart still longs to help them. It's easy for me to neglect those with whom I should long to fellowship. 

But then, I think the church is the same way: only give thought to those who are actively seeking your help, or you are actively seeking to minister to. 

Do we cherish and treasure each other? Do we cherish and treasure fellowship with other believers? Do we cherish using our church services to build up and equip each other?

How many Christians do not cherish their children? How many do not give much thought to where their children are, what they are watching on t.v. or who they are spending time with?  How many do not give thought to whether or not their children are spending time in God's Word and whether or not they are developing a healthy relationship with God?

Do we cherish one another? Do we give up our thoughts to consider each other and how we can be a blessing to others?

I asked my Sunday School class this question this past weekend: are you keeping your thoughts bent toward how God is trying to use you in every situation? 

So, do I do that? Do you? Do you keep in mind that God wants to use you in effective ways every day? Do you look for the ways that God is trying to use you to bless your neighbors and your relatives and even strangers? 

I think that if Christians were more apt to cherish those around us, we would be much more effective in our faith and in our evangelism. 

Peace and grace, brothers and sisters.