The One Another's

Let's begin with a homework assignment. Pull up your favorite Bible application or website and do a wordsearch for "one another." I think you'll be surprised by what you'll find. Repeatedly, Christian behavior is connected with others.

For example, we are told to:

• "love one another" (John 13:34-35, 15:12, 17; Romans 12:10a, 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 4:9-10; 1 Peter 1:22, 4:8; 1 John 3:11, 3:23, 4:7, 11-12; 2 John 5)
• "honor one another" (Romans 12:10b)
• "greet one another" (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12. 1 Peter 5:14)
• "welcome one another (Romans 15:7)
• "live in harmony with one another" (Romans 12:16, 15:5)
• "be kind to one another" (Ephesians 4:32)
• "forgive one another" (Ephesians 4:32b; Colossians 3:13b)
• "bear one another" (Ephesians 4:2-3; Colossians 3:13a)
• "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2)
• "comfort one another" (2 Corinthians 13:11a)
• "pray for one another" (James 5:16b)
• "encourage one another" (1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11a; Hebrews 10:25)
• "serve one another" (Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10)

The above list is only a fraction of the "one another" passages. What is clear is that Christianity is intended to be lived in community despite increasingly efforts of believers to isolate their faith from community. This is a foreign concept in the New Testament. Not only did Jesus surround himself with disciples (even beyond the Twelve), but upon Peter's sermon on Pentecost, the first Christians eagerly gathered together for worship, accountability, and fellowship (Acts 4:42ff).

Every athlete knows that success requires coaching and teamwork. Even individualistic sports (like running or track and field) work best in a team atmosphere. We need each other to improve and to persevere. Christian faith is no different. We need each other. We need "one another."

Consider that list of "one another's" again. Can we fulfill any of them without the local church or without regular fellowship? If not, then the local church is vital to our spiritual health. Since we need one another, we are responsible for one another. In order for other disciples to grow spiritually, we must grow spiritually. We cannot help others endure if we do not. We cannot enjoying loving fellowship unless we contribute to it. We cannot be comforted unless we are comforting. We will not enjoy the freedom of forgiveness unless we forgive.

Let us, therefore, remember the "one another" passages. The New Testament is saturated with them and may they shape how we approach our Christian lives.