“One Another” One Another

The phrase "one another" comes from the Greek word allelon which means "one another, mutually, reciprocally." It appears 100 times in the New Testament. Majority of those occurrences are specific commands teaching us how (and how not) to relate to one another. Obedience to these 100 “one another” commands is essential. It is the basis for all true Christian community and has a direct impact on our effectiveness to the mission we are called to (John 13:35). Thoughtfully read through the list below. It is not exhaustive, but it will give you an understanding of the type of fellowship God expects within His body.

POSITIVE COMMANDS (how to relate to one another)

• Love one another (John 13:34 - This command occurs over a dozen times)

• Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10)

• Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)

• Build up one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

• Be likeminded towards one another (Romans 15:5)

• Accept one another (Romans 15:7)

• Admonish/Instruct one another (Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16)

• Greet one another (Romans 16:16)

• Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25)

• Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)

• Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)

• Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:2, 32; Colossians 3:13)

• Be patient with one another (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13)

• Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15, 25)

• Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32)

• Speak/Sing to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19)

• Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5)

• Consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3)

• Look to the interests of one another (Philippians 2:4)

• Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13)

• Teach one another (Colossians 3:16)

• Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

• Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

• Exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13)

• Stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)

• Show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)

• Use the gifts that God has given us for the benefit of one another (1 Peter 4:10)

• Clothe yourselves with humility towards one another (1 Peter 5:5)

• Pray for one another (James 5:16)

• Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)

NEGATIVE COMMANDS (how not to relate to one another)

• Do not lie to one another (Colossians 3:9)

• Stop passing judgment on one another (Romans 14:13)

• If you keep on biting and devouring each other...you'll be destroyed by each other (Galatians 5:15)

• Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other (Galatians 5:26)

• Do not slander one another (James 4:11)

• Don't grumble against each other (James 5:9)

We do all this because we are “members of one another” (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:25).

How well are you “one anothering” one another?