The Lord has designed His kingdom in such a way that we have a need to depend on the body of Christ for our spiritual walk to truly thrive and grow. I have said it before and please bear with me as I reiterate it once again; God does not want us to walk this Christian walk all by ourselves. He has established the body of Christ as a support to one another, to lean on one another, both in the good and the bad times. The evidence is scattered throughout the scriptures for this principle. When we study out the “one another’s” it amazing how God has designed these relationships for our walk. Let’s take a look at some of the “one another’s,” shall we. I promise this will not be an exhaustive study, I will only scratch the surface. I would encourage you to study the rest of these out for yourself, it is quite amazing really!
Love one another
The phrase “love one another” and “love each other” is found 16 times in the NIV version. I can only figure if the Lord has enough patients to repeat himself 16 times using the exact same two phrases, then he must mean business on the subject of loving each other. The other part of this I find interesting is that all 16 verses were addressed to Christians in regards to loving other Christians. I can only guess that we as Christians can get ourselves in trouble on what seems like it should be a basic principle to follow. Speaking for myself, I know that I sometimes find myself in a state of being quick to judge rather than quick to love a person. (I have listed of all 16 verses below. Please feel free to look them up, read them and study them out for yourselves.) Please keep in mind, these 16 verses are only the times using these exact two phrases. However, throughout the entire word of God it emphasizes the importance of us loving others.
“Love one another” verses:
John 13:34, John 13:35, Romans 13:8 1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 3:8. 1 John 3:11, 1 John 3:23, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:11, 1 John 4:12, and 2 John 1:5 (*wording may vary slightly depending on the copyright year and publisher)
“Love each other” verses:
John 15:12, John 15:17, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 1 Peter 4:8, and 1 John 3:14 (*wording may vary slightly depending on the copyright year and publisher)
Forgive one another
Forgiveness brings about a whole host of benefits. For me, when I go to the Lord to seek forgiveness, I always come out feeling as if a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. The same kind of thing happens when we seek forgiveness from others, burdens are lifted, relationships can be mended and healed and the love of Christ flows not only through us, but also through the person we are seeking forgiveness from. It truly is a precious gift the Lord has given us. I never look forward to exercising this principle, but I am extremely thankful that the Lord ministers so deeply through it.
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
Honor one another
Scripture calls us to honor others. When you look up the word honor in the dictionary it means to hold in high esteem, high regard or high respect as for worth, merit or rank. So when scripture calls us to honor someone we are to place them in a position of high respect that shows others they are worthy! I can only speak for myself here. Ouch! How many times have I not placed someone in a position of honor and respect? How many times have I dishonored others, if not in my actions, then for sure in my thoughts? Oh man does that one hurt! We need to look at others in such a way that we see them not as lower on the totem pole than us, not even our equal, but in a place of honor, a place above us. I have so far to go in this area it’s not even funny! Lord grant us grace and mercy in this area!
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
Serve one another
Our perfect example of a servant is Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us he did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 10:28). When I think of some of the things Jesus did while He was here on earth it humbles me. Just the simple task of washing the feet of his disciples was so mind boggling to me. The custom in that day was that you washed your feet as you entered into the house because your feet were dirty from the dusty roads. Jesus was their leader, their shepherd, their king, and yet He was willing to set aside the titles that everyone has given him, humble Himself to the place of a servant and shower love and honor on His disciples in such a precious way. How many of us would do such a thing today? I realize that feet washing is no longer a cultural custom anymore, but this type of servant spirit can take so many forms. Are we willing to lay aside our pride to serve those around us with the spirit of Jesus, or are we unwilling to get our hands dirty in the muddy waters? I am speaking to the choir here! I need to hear this right now, without a doubt! We need to serve more and lay down our pride. Why? Because this is what Jesus did, this is the heart of a servant.
“...But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13
The list of “one another’s” goes beyond what we will discuss here. I do encourage you to study them out for yourself. I can assure you of one thing, you will be blessed by the beauty of living out a “one another” life as you put these things into practice.
Lord, I thank you that you have called us to live a one another life. Help us to put this one another living into practice on a daily basis. Help us to love, forgive, honor and serve one another as we walk this journey of faith. Thank you Lord for your principles found in your word. Thank you for teaching us how to treat others in the manner you have designed. Thank you for giving us the body of Christ as a support in the good and the bad times. Thank you that we do not have to travel this journey alone.
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