Sabbath: Living With Each Other
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 14th of March 2026
Image © Pacific Press
Read for This Week’s Study
Colossians 3:18-25; Colossians 4:1-6; Ephesians 5:22-25,33; Proverbs 22:6,15; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Memory Text:
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6, NKJV).
When people live and work in close proximity, they meet a variety of challenges. Differences of opinion may cause tensions; arguments may ensue. The closer the relationship, the more important it is for everyone in that relationship to get along.
The closest relationships are, of course, within the family. The home has sometimes been called “the family firm.” It’s an interesting way to describe how the home operates. There are definite similarities between running a business and running a household. There should be general agreement on values, goals, and objectives. Everyone should get along with each other and do their part well for things to run smoothly. The same principles apply to the church, which is essentially a large family.
In our passage for this week, Paul provides some vital principles for how a Christian family functions best. Because the Christian home should be governed by biblical principles, it necessarily functions somewhat differently from the typical Roman household. Paul also gives other valuable principles that are helpful for a variety of social relations, both inside and outside the home.
Human beings were created to live together. We are social animals. We use language to relate to each other in our relationships. Therefore, it is extremely important to be mindful of the language (words) we use when expressing ourselves. Words can build or destroy (James 3:5–6). Words have power for life or death (Proverbs 18:21). Our desire to live together in unity, harmony and happiness must take into account what Paul says in Colossians 4:6, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” We must speak words that builds others. Living with each other successfully does not happen by accident. It is a deliberate effort which each of us must make. It is an investment with a priceless return. We must cherish, nurture and protect our togetherness, particularly our families, and the extended church family. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18,NIV). When we live together in peace, we testify that we know God. Our togetherness is our spiritual, social, and emotional security.
“We are social animals,,,,Therefore, it is extremely important to be mindful of the language (words) we use when expressing ourselves” I might be a social person, or a social human or a social being. But a social animal? Really?
Bud, although I agree with you about the use of the term “social animals” to describe us because we are not animals, I don’t believe Omwenga meant it in a derogatory way. These essence of what’s stated is about us being social beings, thus needing to be graceful with our conduct and speech.
Agreed. Our focus should be on the salient point that is being made by the writer.
Melvin, I agree with you. However, interestingly, reading the post that objected to humans being classified as animals was the first time I realized that this classification isn’t acceptable to everyone. It prompted me to do a Google search, which revealed that some creationists object to this term on the grounds that it is dehumanizing and does not reflect the fact that we are made in the image of God.
Hi Beverley, I agree with you 100%. However, sometimes, we could spend a lot of energy and time debating a word or phrase that someone used in a statement, and we miss the whole point of the statement.
One of the things I learned from a renowned scholar is that nobody gets us angry, we choose to do it to ourselves. He went on to explain that our response begins with self talk. This is our own internal conversation. Many times we are not conscious of it. For example, if we say to ourselves, “he had no right to say that we are animals,” or, “he is calling me an animal and that is not right.” Our external reaction could be one of anger, resentment, etc. On the other hand, if our internal conversation is,”he has a right to make the point that he has made, although I disagree with it,” or “everybody as a right to make their own point, but I have a different view of the issue.” If these are our internal conversations, we will be less likely to get angry or be resentful. If you could get the book Straight and crooked thinking by Albert Ellis, he discusses these topics extensively. This teaching is called Neuro Linguistic Programming. The book also teaches how to practice listening to our internal conversations and learning how to control them. Many politicians learn these principles. That is why most of them will answer difficult questions to reporters on TV and they can keep a straight face. They don’t look up, down, or sideways, even when they are lying through their teeth.
Well, these are just my point of view.
As stated “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18,NIV
Psalms 8: 4-5 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor.
Sabbath Afternoon:
We are instructed to sanctify our speech, just as our lives should be transformed upon baptism. With God’s help, we are to put away hereditary sin and cultivated evil traits.
The pen of inspiration tells us: “In going forward in the rite of baptism, you pledged yourselves before God to remain dead to sin. Your mouth was to remain a sanctified mouth, your tongue a converted tongue.” (MS 95, 1906)
Whether at home, at work, or abroad, our lives should be a living testimony to Christ, reflecting our faith in both our words and actions.
We were created in the image of God.The Bible plainly states that God created man in His image it never said God created animals in His own image. This idea of man being categories as animal is not Biblical. There is a clear difference so to refer to humans as animals from a Biblical perspective is wrong
Is it OK if I say we are mammals?
What I find hilarious is that we’re arguing about this in a Lesson about getting along! I guess we all have our work cut out for us.
We were created in the image of God, but when we fail to exhibit His image, we ARE just animals.
I agree. Maybe the word choice is not perfect, but we all are not perfect in our expression. We have a lot of expressions with animal in them (ie. party animal) that no one blinks at.
While I agree that we humans are special, we cannot ignore that God used the same building blocks throughout life. I am not a geneticist, but I have found the story of DNA fascinating. We share DNA with plants. Processes such as DNA replication, protein synthesis, and energy conversion run through all living organisms. That does not diminish our value but helps us understand that when God made us, he reused designs that worked well. Man’s “specialness” comes from the relationship, not the mechanics.
We are a living example of how people can overcome differences and become something greater together. Our goal and focus is to grow and become more like Jesus Christ. The Bible encourages believers to grow in Christ because He is holy and righteous. As it is written in 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Spiritual growth is not optional for believers—it is part of God’s design for our lives.
Whether it is human life, animal life, or plant life, God intended that all living things grow and mature. The same principle applies to our walk and relationship with God. We must aim to grow and mature in our spiritual journey. This requires humility and honesty to acknowledge that we are not perfect in following Christ. We are a work in progress, and there is always room to grow in our faith, our relationships, our speech, and our conduct. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Just as iron sharpens iron, believers can help one another grow stronger in faith. Through discussions, encouragement, accountability, and even constructive criticism, we refine and strengthen each other. When we inspire, motivate, and support one another in Christ, we grow wiser and closer to God. As faithful followers of Christ, we should treasure and celebrate this mutual pursuit of godliness, recognizing that together we can become stronger, wiser, and more devoted in our walk with God.
Thank you Dan!
I have often admitted that Carmel and I do not see eye-to-eye on everything. That was a given, even before we married. After nearly 60 years, nothing has changed. She still thinks I put too much marmalade on my toast on Sabbath morning. The really important thing we have learned, by experience, is that we do not change one another; we live with one another. Working out how to deal with our differences and adapt to them is part of life. Unity is not uniformity!
We have a lot to learn about living together in our lesson this week. Are we going to change, or are we going to expect others to change?
Hopefully, we understand that as Christians we are changing all the time because of our daily, hourly relationship with Jesus.
YES, We need to allow the influence of JESUS change our lives on a daily basis for the Glory of GOD. Thanks for your comment.
Human relationships are not static, they evolve over time.
that is why it is important to make Jesus the bedrock of these relationships, especially marriage.
One biblical principle we can adopt is to “esteem others better than ourselves”.
It’s easier said than done, but we also need to remember that we can do all things through Him who gives us the strength!!!!
The same way we would like someone to correct us. Let us pray to God to give us the patience to tolerate others and not say words that destroy others when we don’t agree or when they’ve done something wrong. Let’s learn to pause when we are angry so that our words builds not destroy.
If we are to witness JESUS CHRIST to others having a good relashinship as a Husband and Wife is very important. This will help us to traing our children for the glory of GOD and His will.
We will have to sumbit to one another and love each other the same way JESUS loved the Church. most importamtly we need the HOLY SPIRIT to guide and help us to have a true and successful marrige.
The Christian home is where our walk with God has been initiated. It is also what we allow Christ to make it in our lives, for those who have not grown up in a Christian home. Or third, if we happen to be of the ones who fell by the wayside. Home again is what we through Christ working in us makes it. That is why it is important to have Christian principles taught in the home. The home is where we learn to be kind, merciful, long suffering, patient, humble, meek, and are taught to act like chosen ones, and to grow into a solid heart relationship with God, something we choose. Home for some is your church that is active. Ours is picking up prayer meeting again after being off for a few months because some of us are reluctant to drive in the dark. Home church is where you have a willing to be made willing pastor without complaint. We do praise God for the prayers He has answered for the betterment of us.
Our words are as important as our actions. We need to fill our hearts and minds with the Holy Spirit so we can produce edifying words.
Paul clearly states which role everyone in a household should play. There are some simple characteristics for each to follow. When roles are too far from them, it may be easy to grow an unbalanced family, while dysfunction may lead to emotional disasters. God can bind what broken hearts with love. Just look for Him.
Praise God, for my bretheren who use this blog to enlight more to the lesson.sometimes I fail to understand it clearly.whenever I read the submission given by advent family here, I praise God for using you to let us understand God’s massage
Thank you so much, I’m inspired by this lesson .
Friends allow me to borrow from the book of 1st Corinthians 10.11
It states that in whatever we do even if it the languages we speak , The things that we consume (EVERYTHING )… DO IT TO THE GLORY OF GOD.
Living with each other is more to be like loving ones self,
“Everyone should get along with each other and do their part well for things to run smoothly…” As Christians, we should be careful about how we approarch people. How do you come-off?
My family was on a train from Paris to London when a woman with 2 children approached us and arrogantly said to my daughter – “you-all are in my seats!” My daughter responded, “No!”
She then thrust her tickets forward and said,”we are in seats 21, 22 and 23 and you are in our seats.” My daughter quickly opened her phone and showed the lady her tickets and camly said with a smile – “our ticket says seats 21, 22, and 23 on car #11 – your ticket says car #10. You are on the wrong car…”
The lady gasped in amazement and began to repeatedly apologize – “I’m so sorry!” One of the children said mom I was trying to tell you… My wife and I was proud at how professionally she handle the situation and diffused a volatile situation. I responded to the lady with a smile – “don’t worry about it, car #10 is the forward train – that’s what life is all about, helping each other!”
Be careful about the first words you say to people and how you express them to others. As a Christian, you can be firm and loving and still be polite and respectful. May God’s blessing be upon you as we study together!