Fifty-nine times in the New Testament we see ‘one another’ statements given to followers of Jesus. When compiled together, its overwhelming to see just how integrated and deeply-connected our lives are supposed to be with each other. Two things we can learn as we look at the “one another” commands:
1. The Christian life isn’t meant to be done alone.
These commands imply relationship. This is radically different from the culture of freedom and autonomy that we’re swimming in. Where our culture values a life centered around “me” - the way of Jesus means dying to self to lift others up. Such meaningful, transformative community only happens via commitment. You will never experience the depth of relationship or the transformative power of God’s Spirit-filled community if you choose to be one foot in and one foot out. It means to look at this group and say, “I’m in no matter what. This group and these people are my priority now. Their needs are my needs.”
2. Life in community is messy
Truly meaningful relationships require sacrifice - time, energy, etc. Oftentimes, people can be hard to love and yet Jesus says it’s absolutely worth it. When we push through the hardships and sacrifices that come with knowing others, we reach an end in ourselves and allow the Spirit to use us. When we are willing to step into the messiness that is community, we show just how amazing the way of Jesus is.
Just envision how beautiful it would be to see a community practicing these commands regularly:
1. “...Be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50)
2. “...Wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
3. “...Love one another...” (John 13:34)
4. “...Love one another...” (John 13:34)
5. “...If you have love for one another...” (John 13:35)
6. “...Love one another...” (John 15:12)
7. “...Love one another” (John 15:17)
8. “Love one another with brotherly affection...” (Romans 12:10)
9. “...Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10)
10. “Live in harmony with one another...” (Romans 12:16)
11. “...Love each other...” (Romans 13:8)
12. “...Let us not pass judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13)
13. “Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you...” (Romans 15:7)
14. “...Instruct one another.” (Romans 15:14)
15. “Greet one another with a holy kiss...” (Romans 16:16)
16. “...When you come together to eat, wait for one another.” (1 Corinthians 11:33)
17. “...Have the same care for one another.” (1 Corinthians 12:25)
18. “...Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (1 Corinthians 16:20)
19. “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (2 Corinthians 13:12)
20. “...Through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
21. “If you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” (Galatians 5:15)
22. “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:26)
23. “Bear one another’s burdens...” (Galatians 6:2)
24. “...Bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
25. “Be kind to one another...” (Ephesians 4:32)
26. “...Forgiving one another...” (Ephesians 4:32)
27. “Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” (Ephesians 5:19)
28. “Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)
29. “...In humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
30. “Do not lie to each other...” (Colossians 3:9)
31. “Bearing with each other...” (Colossians 3:13)
32. “...Forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you...” (Colossians 3:13)
33. “Teaching...[one another]” (Colossians 3:16)
34. “...Admonishing one another...” (Colossians 3:16)
35. “...Abound in love for one another and for all...” (1 Thessalonians 3:12)
36. “...Love one another.” (1 Thessalonians 4:9)
37. “...Encourage one another...” (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
38. “...Encourage one another...” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
39. “...Build one another up...” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
40. “Exhort one another every day...” (Hebrews 3:13)
41. “...Stir up one another toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)
42. “...Encouraging one another.” (Hebrews 10:25)
43. “...Do not speak evil against one another.” (James 4:11)
44. “Do not grumble against one another...” (James 5:9)
45. “Confess your sins to one another...” (James 5:16)
46. “...Pray for one another.” (James 5:16)
47. “...Love one another earnestly from a pure heart.” (1 Peter 1:22)
48. “...Have compassion for one another...” (1 Peter 3:8) “
49. “...Loving one another earnestly...” (1 Peter 4:8)
50. “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9)
51. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another...” (1 Peter 4:10)
52. “...Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another...” (1 Peter 5:5)
53. “Greet one another with the kiss of love.” (1 Peter 5:14)
54. “...Love one another.” (1 John 3:11)
55. “...Love one another.” (1 John 3:23)
56. “...Love one another.” (1 John 4:7)
57. “...Love one another.” (1 John 4:11)
58. “...Love one another.” (1 John 4:12)
59. “...Love one another.” (2 John 1:5)
Are you living the Christian life primarily in community? Why or why not?
As you read the “one another” commands, which of these do you need to put into practice this week?