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Take your Bible app and search the New Testament for “one another,” mine returned 89 results. The first passage to note is John 13:34 where Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” As you begin to read through the selected verses you can begin to see a pattern of behavioral practices to apply in our relationships. You will read key words like “affectionate,” “preference,” “service,” “gentleness,” and “compassion.” These passages will overwhelm you with encouragement and motivation and you will begin to wonder if the scriptures teach us to have these characteristics why is it that Christians can’t get along with each other?
I believe the answer can be found in Jesus’ own words, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)? Yep, that’s it. We can’t get along because we disregard the instructions of the “one another’s.” Oh how quickly we will condemn the individual who lies, curses or practices immorality. We stand with rocks in our hands ready to stone the adulterous offender while holding contempt in our hearts for each other. (John 8:3ff) Shame on us.
Can you imagine how strong and effective the church would be if we all applied the “one another’s?” Let us begin today to encourage, appreciate, forgive, and love one another.
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11).
Jay Launius
Maud church of Christ
Maud, TX