One for All

The Musketeers lived by the famous motto: “All for one, and one for all!” It embodied their everyday actions.

What is our motto as Christian women? What is the standard by which we live our lives? Can we apply “all for one, one for all?” Have any of us experienced the feeling of being the last one chosen for the team, of consistently not being included in activities, or of not being reached out to when we needed a listening ear—the feeling of being left out?

We may not be heroic adventurers and swordfighters, but we are potential daughters of God, with a unique responsibility as women to help, comfort and uplift (Genesis 2:18)—and the world is a tough place for anyone, especially women these days. We never do realize how much a kind word, a gesture or even a smile can do to help brighten someone’s day or change their life. By reaching out to those who are shy or insecure, by showing love and patience, we can help them blossom into the women (or men) that God has called them to be.

If we know how it feels—and how much it hurts—to be alone or left out, do we go even more out of our way to make sure that people within our reach do not have to experience similar discouragement? “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10). Christ, even as the Son of God, had many women as followers who were especially helpful to Him—so much that the Gospel accounts specifically mention their service (Mark 15:40–41; Luke 8:1–3).

As Christians overall, we are to be the examples in God’s way of life; we are constantly to be demonstrating the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit in our everyday lives—“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22). Paul wrote that there is no law against these qualities, and with good reason. Elsewhere, he stated that love was the greatest of all godly qualities (1 Corinthians 13:13). Could this be because love is both the means and the goal for all the rest? To be an example, God expects us to demonstrate love to others, as a fulfillment of the second greatest commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). I want this to be my “motto”—how about you?

If this is our motto, what can we do to make sure that we love our neighbor as ourselves—and to show that we truly stand together? First, take a look around, and deeply consider the people who surround you. Not just those you typically spend time with—your “besties” as some might say—but those in your peer group and in your local congregation. Do you see anyone sitting by themselves? Do you see someone constantly alone? Those are your neighbors too, and God loves them just as He loves you. So why not go and pull up a chair, sit down and chat with them? Find out their name. Invite them out for coffee or over for dinner. Branch outside of your group and the “regulars” you may find yourself spending all your time with. Those older than you can provide a wealth of knowledge and experience. They also have the best stories. Just ask! And, for those younger than you, even if they are kids—enjoy their innocent stories! That was you at one time, and God may provide you an opportunity to help give some gentle instruction in their young lives.

As we reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s realize that our circle of friendship is actually expanding—and as the friendships are deepening, so are our life experiences. Additionally our love for others grows because we are sharing our lives, our struggles, and our accomplishments with those who understand and have perhaps been through similar experiences. Then we can pray for each other, and encourage each other through our trials, and share our joys.

God is pleased when He sees the bond of fellowship. “Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another” (Malachi 3:16, NASV). If we practice this kind of love in our daily life, no one would have to feel left out again.