“One Another”

In this evil world we live in, Christians must strive to not let selfishness be a part of their lives. Just think where you might be if someone had not taught you the gospel or given you a helping hand when you were faced with a difficult circumstance. The New Testament scriptures have much to say about how Christians are to treat their neighbors (fellow man) and especially how we should regard and treat our brethren in Christ or, “one another.”  In the points we will consider, the phrase “one another” has reference to brethren in Christ – those of “like precious faith” (2 Pet. 1:1). Please consider the following points and take the time to read and meditate on each scripture cited:

Christians are to “love one another.” Of all the “one another” passages in the New Testament, this command is the most frequently repeated – John 13:34; 15:12, 17; Romans 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:23; 4:7, 11, 12; 2 John 1:5. In Romans 12:10 Paul wrote, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” This kind of love is to express kind and tender affection for members of the body of Christ, the church. Such regard was referred to as “love of the brethren” by the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:22.

Christians are to “salute one another.” To “salute” means to “greet” as is rendered in the NKJV – Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthian 16:20; 2 Corinthian 13:12. This is a sign of affection, regard, respect and friendliness that we have for our brethren. Today the common greeting method is a handshake. Certainly, we need to have a friendly demeanor and shown kind affection to our brethren when we greet them and Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:14, “Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.”  When you greet your brethren, it is a heartfelt greeting that is from a sincere heart?

Christians are to “serve one another.” Christ taught His disciples a lesson on humility and servitude when He washed their feet (Jn. 13:4-17). Jesus made it a point to explain why He washed their feet – and it was necessary that they do so to each other. Jesus demonstrated that although He was their Master, He was not above serving them and therefore they must humbly submit to and serve one another as He did to them (Mk. 10:45). Jesus teaches self-denial and against those who think highly of self (Rom. 12:3). Humbly serving “one another” is an essential attitude and duty taught by Jesus and His apostles (Matt. 16:24; Jn. 12:25; Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3-5).

Christians are to “comfort one another.” In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Paul assured the brethren in Thessalonica that faithful saints who died in Christ would be raised at the final resurrection to meet Christ in the air and that those alive who are in Christ would “be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17). He concluded by saying, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (vs. 18). Certainly, the hope of the resurrection is comforting to know and teach others. But we must also offer physical and spiritual support to our brethren. There are numerous situations that arise where we can “comfort” our brethren in times of trial and need (cf. 1 Thess. 5:14; Gal. 6:1-2). Paul was diligent to “comfort” these brethren and he sent Timotheus to “establish” and “comfort” them concerning their faith (1 Thess. 3:2), assuring them of the “everlasting consolation and good hope through grace” in their spiritual lives, made possible by God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 2:17-18).

Christians are to “consider one another.” The Hebrew writer penned this admonition in Hebrews 10:24 thusly, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”  Then he teaches how one provokes (stirs up) others to love and good works in the following verse where he wrote, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” You see, members of the Lord’s body who “forsake the assembling” are inconsiderate and thus sin willfully (vs. 26); trample under foot God’s Son (vs. 29); count the blood of the covenant (the blood of Christ) unholy (vs. 29) and invite God’s wrath (vss. 27-31).

In the course of the worship in the assembly of the saints, we are “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19) and thereby “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your [our] hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). Additionally, the Hebrew writer said, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). Consider your brethren, brethren!

Finally, Christians are to be “kind,” “forgiving” and with love “forbearing one another.” Paul addressed these characteristic qualities in the epistle to the Ephesians. Said he, “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love... And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:2, 32). In Colossians 3:13, Paul wrote, “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” The word “forbearing” according to Strong means to “put up with: – bear with, endure, forbear, suffer.” We must have enduring patience with our brethren who can sometimes be difficult to bear with or put up with. God and His Son are our examples of kindness, forgiveness, and forbearance. Let us have the patience and the lovely attitude Paul spoke of in his letter on “love” or “charity” in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

There are many other “one another” passages found in the pages of God’s Divine word. I hope you will consider these points and passages and be encouraged and diligent in your service in the Lord’s kingdom. “Think on these things.” – tgmc 

NEVER, SELDOM, OFTEN?

Which term best describes your practice of the following good works? Never, seldom, often

1. Do you send a card or visit those who are ill, shut-in, or widows?

2. Do you seek out those to greet who are little noticed by others?

3. Do you make newcomers feel welcome to the congregation?

4. Do you prepare a dish of food for those bereaved or ill?

5. Do you encourage the song leaders, teachers, elders, deacons, and preacher?

6. Do you visit with elderly members of the congregation?

7. Do you speak to “strangers” at the assembly? – Selected 

Members of One Another
By Joe R. Price

“5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom. 12:5–8, NKJV).

Christians are one body in Christ and members of one another. We are interconnected, joined together in Christ by our common faith and common salvation (Titus 1:4; Jude 3). (The local church is described this way in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.) God has blessed us with different gifts, and He calls on us to use them for the benefit of His church. To achieve this requires us to serve each other with humility. Remembering the church belongs to Christ (not us) helps us focus on helping one another instead of demanding that others do our bidding (Phil. 2:1-8). The Son of Man came to serve, not to be served (Matt. 20:28). Like Jesus, use today to focus on serving someone instead of expecting someone to serve you. Doing so will strengthen you and the body of Christ. – Sword Tips, August 30, 2020.