This week we are continuing to explore the theme of spiritual gifts and the life we share together in the church. Our text is Matthew 10:1-4, which is a list of the 12 apostles. It is interesting to think about the individuals Jesus brought together to form his first circle. These were the men who would be his closest companions, upon whom the work of building the church would fall first when he was gone. If Jesus had used the resources of a present day management consultant, the “staff” Jesus composed might have drawn skepticism to say the least. “You chose whom for your team?” a consultant might wonder looking at the list. But God’s ways are not our ways. As God spoke to the prophet Samuel concerning the anointing of David, “The Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

The Lord has composed us, and also brought us together in this time and place to be about the work of doing his will. Our first commandment, or prime directive, or main objective, comes from Christ. He told his disciples toward the end that they are to love one another as he had loved them. Out of the practice of love for one another, the common bond would strengthen and the ability to reach out would also come alive. Being respectful, having common decency, extending forgiveness, sharing compassion and kindness, does not happen by accident. The humble reliance on God’s grace in Christ enables us to join in with Christ in the kind of life he leads.

The action of prayer for one another becomes an important means through which compassion and brotherly and sisterly love for one another is practiced. Prayer for one another is an important spiritual discipline through which the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23) comes alive, and our gifts of the Spirit become effectual.

The disciples at first had problems with recognizing the value in one another. They sometimes found themselves arguing about who was greater than the other. They stopped doing this after Jesus’ resurrection. In the room where they waited together for Pentecost, there were in one accord, devoted to prayer, together with the women, and with Jesus’ mother and his brothers. Faith, hope, and love joined them and prayer formed the common action that bonded them closer. There were no arguments about who outranked whom, instead their circle expanded as they prayed. When you pray for each other, take time to think about the individual for whom you are praying, and thank God for what God has given you through that person. This way we can affirm each other in particular for the gifts we share. Let that person also know somehow why you are thankful for them. You will give them a special boost, and it will bring you joy for being able to bring someone else joy. In this way we begin to see with God’s eyes who looks for a worth and value that we often miss by only seeing on the surface. The Lord has looked upon your heart, and God’s love for you is perfect. We can share this love and prayer is a good place to start.