Reflections on “One Another”

The phrase “one another” is used at least six dozen times in the New Testament, both negatively and positively, to refer on the one hand to how Christians are not to treat one another and on the other hand to how Christians are to treat one another. I will only be able to deal with less than a dozen positive uses of the phrase in my current sermon series, so let me give you a glimpse at some of the other positive things Christians are to do for one another.

Greet one another — In Romans 16, Paul gives a long list of greetings to people in the church at Rome and instructions for them to greet specific people. Then, in Romans 16:16, he says, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” One of the joys of watching people at Westwood on Sunday morning is how everyone greets one another. I have also experienced this kind of greeting in many church settings and Christian gatherings over the years. It is not only important in greeting one another that we say hello, but that we also keep our spiritual antenna up in listening to people and learning whether there are special joys or hurts that they are experiencing.

Serve one another — This phrase appears in Galatians 5:13 when Paul says “serve one another in love.” Leo Tolstoy studied a young artist’s painting of the Lord’s Supper and, referring to the image of Jesus said, “If you loved him more, you would paint him better.” The same can be said of our service for Christ — ”If you loved him more, you would serve him better” — and of our service for one another — “If we loved one another more, we would serve one another better.”

Bear one another’s burdens — Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” This verse comes immediately after Paul has told the Galatian church to restore those who have sinned with a spirit of gentleness. In the context in which Paul places this phrase — bear one other’s burdens — it is clear that we are to help fellow believers along the way who have fallen in some manner instead of condemning them. This often takes great effort, but has great rewards when a person is restored to his or her faith.

Bear with one another — Ephesians 4:2 says we are to “bear with one another in love.” It is important to recognize here how important love is in living out all of these one another instructions. Everyone of us will have relationships with other Christians who are hard to accept and love. Even as I write this, there are names and faces that come to my mind. However, we need to bear with these people and recognize the value they bring to the Kingdom of God and to the lives of others, recognizing that we too have our shortcomings and our own detractors.

Encourage one another — This phrase appears in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 alongside the phrase “build one another up.” Paul even says that his readers were already doing this. Everybody has a hard struggle of one kind or other and needs encouragement to keep on trusting and serving the Lord. There is no greater gift that you can give to others than encouragement.

Here’s an idea: search out the one another passages, make a list, and rate from 1 to 10 how you are doing with each one.