Building a Church Community through the “One Anothers” in the New Testament

In exploring the New Testament, we encounter a fascinating concept known as “one anothering.” These “one another” instructions serve as a blueprint for building a thriving Christian community. Let’s delve into this powerful biblical principle, its implications for our lives, and the transformation it can bring to our communities.

Unraveling the Concept of “One Anothering”

At the heart of the New Testament, we find a recurring theme of reciprocal relationships, referred to as “one anothering.” Derived from the Greek term “allelon,” this term signifies reciprocity, mutuality, and community, forming the cornerstone of Christian living.

This principle is about fostering positive relationships and embodying the love, service, encouragement, and forgiveness that Christ showed us. Understanding and living out the “one another’s” of the New Testament can profoundly transform our relationships, community, and witness to the world.

The Greek Foundation: Allelon

The term “allelon” appears approximately 100 times in the New Testament, underscoring the essence of reciprocity, mutuality, and community. Approximately 59 of these instances are specific commandments guiding us on how we should relate to each other. These instructions form the foundation for Christian communal living, directly influencing our testimony as Christ’s disciples.

The Cornerstone: Love One Another

The foundation of all “One Another” instructions is the commandment to love one another. This directive, articulated by Jesus in John 13:34, sets the tone for all other instructions. Love, in this context, is not merely a feeling. It involves actions such as honoring each other, seeking harmony, and building each other up.

Honoring Each Other

To honor one another means to respect each other’s opinions and stand up for each other. We can express honor by attentively listening to each other, appreciating each other’s ideas, and advocating for each other.

Seeking Harmony

Harmony involves finding common ground and understanding each other. It can be fostered through meaningful dialogue, empathy, and cooperation toward common goals.

Building Each Other Up

Building each other up involves encouraging and supporting each other. Speaking positively, acting kindly, and celebrating each other’s victories are all ways to build each other up.

Embracing the “One Another” Commands

The “One Another” instructions are not just about loving. Still, they encompass a wide range of actions that enhance our relationships with each other. Let’s delve into these commands and their implications for our lives.

Welcome, Instruct, and Greet

Welcoming one another, as suggested in Romans 15:7, means making others feel at ease, accepted, and included. As seen in Romans 15:14, instruction involves sharing knowledge and providing guidance. Greeting one another, as seen in Romans 16:16, is a simple act of kindness and affection.

Care, Serve, and Bear Burdens

Caring for one another (1 Thessalonians 5:14) involves showing compassion and being there for each other in times of need. Serving one another (Galatians 5:13) involves putting others’ needs before our own. Bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) consists in providing support during challenging times.

Speak in Truth, Be Kind, and Submit

Speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) involves being honest and respectful. Being kind and tenderhearted to one another (Ephesians 4:32) involves showing gentleness and compassion. Submitting to one another (Ephesians 5:21) involves respecting each other’s opinions and being open to compromise.

Prioritizing Others and Looking Out for Their Interests

We are instructed to count others more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3) and to look out for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). This calls for generosity, selflessness, and understanding.

Be Patient and Teach

Patience with one another (Colossians 3:13) calls for understanding and forgiveness. Teaching one another (Colossians 3:16) involves sharing knowledge and providing guidance.

Encourage and Exhort

Encouraging one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11) involves providing support and uplifting each other. Exhorting one another (Hebrews 3:13) involves motivating and inspiring each other.

Stir-Up Love, Confess, and Pray

We are urged to stir up one another’s love (Hebrews 10:24), reminding each other of our mutual affection and deepening our connection. We are also directed to confess our sins to one another (James 5:16) and to pray for one another (James 5:16), supporting each other spiritually.

Show Hospitality and Humility

Showing hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9) involves generosity and providing for each other. We are also encouraged to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5), embodying modesty and prioritizing others before ourselves.

Avoiding Negative Actions

In addition to the positive “One Another” commands, there are instructions on behaviors to avoid. These include not passing judgment on one another (Romans 14:13), not fighting against one another (James 4:11), not being conceited (Romans 12:16), not lying to one another (Colossians 3:9), not speaking evil of one another (James 4:11), not grumbling against one another (James 5:9), and not condemning one another (Romans 14:13). Avoiding these behaviors can foster better relationships and a more harmonious community.

Engaging in Worship Together

Finally, there’s a command to “address one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19). This calls us to worship together, expressing our love for one another and God through music.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of “One Anothering”

The “One Another” instructions are vital in living a Christ-centered life. They guide us to love one another deeply, honor each other, seek harmony, welcome, instruct, care for each other, serve, bear burdens, speak truthfully, be kind, submit, prioritize others, be patient, teach, encourage, exhort, stir up love, confess, pray, show hospitality, humble ourselves, and engage in worship together. When practiced faithfully, these commands can transform our lives and communities, reflecting Christ’s love for us. Let’s make a commitment today to embrace the challenge of “One Anothering” and experience the transformative power of biblical love and unity.

 

 

 

About the Author

Allow us to introduce you to Bruce Mitchell – a true devotee of the Word, a guiding light in the midst of chaos, and a compassionate shepherd to his congregation. His role extends beyond that of a mere speaker; he is an ardent Bible instructor, a devoted Pastor, and an impassioned writer who strives to infuse heavenly wisdom into our daily lives.

Bruce takes great pleasure in having pursued his education at both Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary. His heart beats with the desire to share God’s profound love and boundless mercy with the world through his ministry, Agapao Allelon Ministries, as well as his blog, Allelon.us. His mission? To interweave the principles of Agapao Allelon into society’s very fabric – embodying divine commandments such as Loving One Another and reflecting God’s immeasurable mercy, grace, and forgiveness in every aspect of our existence.

Drawing inspiration from 1 Peter 4:8, Bruce firmly believes that love possesses the transformative power necessary to turn an adversary into a friend. In accordance with 1 John 4:7-8, he maintains that without love one cannot truly know God. And guided by Ephesians 4:31-32, he consistently implores us all to embrace love wholeheartedly just as Jesus loved us.

Bruce Mitchell is more than just another voice in this vast universe; he embodies unwavering faith paired with heartfelt empathy for others’ struggles. As always, he serves as our wise mentor conveying insights gained from personal experiences while aiming not only to inspire but also to provide solace when needed most

Join him as he unravels the essence of God’s word and helps you apply it in your daily life. Let’s share the love, as Jesus commanded!

Pastor | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Writer | Advocate for God’s Mercy, Grace & Love in daily life | He studied at both Biola University & Dallas Theological Seminary | 1 Peter 4:8

Check out more of his work here