The "One Another" Commands in the New Testament

The "One Another" Commands in the New Testament: Building the Body of Christ

The New Testament is replete with instructions for believers on how they are to conduct themselves, not only before God but also in their relationships with fellow Christians. Among the most profound and practical of these are the "one another" commands. These directives, numbering over fifty, serve as a foundational blueprint for healthy, vibrant Christian community, reflecting the very heart of God's love and the nature of His kingdom. They are not mere suggestions but divine imperatives, designed to foster unity, maturity, and a powerful witness to a watching world. In essence, these commands provide the practical outworking of Christ's new commandment: to love as He loved.

The Foundation: Love One Another

At the core of all "one another" commands lies the supreme directive to love. Jesus Himself instituted this new commandment, elevating love as the distinguishing mark of His disciples. It is the wellspring from which all other mutual obligations flow, making every other "one another" command an expression of this foundational love.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:34-35

Paul reiterates this truth, stating that love fulfills the law: "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8). The Apostle John further emphasizes that love for one another is intrinsic to knowing God, for "God is love" (1 John 4:7). When we love one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us. This selfless, agape love is not merely an emotion but an active choice, a commitment to seek the highest good of others, even at personal cost.

Mutual Edification and Encouragement

A significant cluster of "one another" commands focuses on building up and strengthening fellow believers in their faith journey. The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation but in supportive community, where members actively contribute to each other's spiritual growth.

• Exhort one another: The call to "exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13) speaks to the need for constant encouragement and warning against spiritual complacency. This also includes the vital command not to forsake "the assembling of ourselves together... but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).
• Comfort and edify one another: In times of sorrow or difficulty, believers are commanded to "comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18) concerning Christ's return, and to "comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Edification means to build up, to strengthen, to improve spiritually.
• Admonish and teach one another: Paul instructs the Roman believers that they are "full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another" (Romans 15:14). Admonition involves gentle correction and instruction. Similarly, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another" (Colossians 3:16) highlights the importance of sharing God's truth to guide and mature each other.

These commands underscore the church's role as a spiritual hospital and training ground, where believers are equipped and supported in their walk with Christ.

Mutual Service and Humility

The "one another" commands also call believers to a life of humble service, reflecting Christ's own example. True love manifests itself in practical acts of service, prioritizing the needs of others above one's own.

• Serve one another: "By love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13) is a powerful counter-cultural directive in a world driven by self-interest.
• Bear one another's burdens: "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). This command speaks to empathy, practical help, and shared responsibility within the community of faith.
• Prefer one another: "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Romans 12:10). This means giving preference and showing respect to others.
• Submit to one another: "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God" (Ephesians 5:21). This command is not about blind obedience but a humble willingness to yield to others out of reverence for Christ, recognizing their value and dignity.
• Clothe yourselves with humility: "Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). Humility is the garment that enables all other "one another" commands to be effectively lived out.

These commands paint a picture of a community where self-sacrifice and mutual respect are paramount, mirroring the self-emptying love of Christ.

Mutual Forgiveness and Acceptance

Imperfection is inherent in human relationships, even within the church. Recognizing this, the New Testament provides clear guidance on how to navigate conflict and shortcomings through forgiveness and acceptance.

• Forgive one another: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32). And again, "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye" (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness is not optional; it is a direct imitation of God's grace towards us.
• Accept one another: "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God" (Romans 15:7). This command calls for welcoming and embracing fellow believers despite differences in background, opinion, or spiritual maturity, just as Christ welcomed us in our sinfulness.

These commands foster an atmosphere of grace, preventing bitterness and division from taking root within the body of Christ.

Mutual Care and Concern

Beyond active service and conflict resolution, believers are called to a general posture of care, concern, and fellowship for one another.

• Pray for one another: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). Intercessory prayer is a powerful act of love and solidarity.
• Bear with one another: "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2). This speaks to patience and tolerance for each other's weaknesses and idiosyncrasies.
• Have the same care one for another: In the context of the church as a body, Paul writes, "That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another" (1 Corinthians 12:25). This implies a genuine concern for the well-being of every member.
• Greet one another: "Greet ye one another with an holy kiss" (Romans 16:16). While the form of greeting may vary by culture, the essence is a warm, sincere expression of fellowship and acceptance.

These commands emphasize the organic unity and interdependence of believers within the church.

Avoiding Harm to One Another

Just as there are commands to build up, there are also explicit warnings against actions that tear down or cause harm within the community.

• Do not bite and devour one another: "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another" (Galatians 5:15). This warns against contentious arguments, gossip, and destructive criticism.
• Do not grumble against one another: "Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door" (James 5:9). Murmuring and complaining sow discord.
• Do not speak evil of one another: "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law" (James 4:11). This prohibits slander and uncharitable judgment.
• Do not provoke one another, envying one another: "Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another" (Galatians 5:26). These attitudes breed competition and division rather than unity.

These negative commands serve as vital guardrails, protecting the harmony and integrity of the Christian community.

The Purpose and Impact of the "One Another" Commands

The cumulative effect of obeying the "one another" commands is profound. They are not arbitrary rules but essential practices that:

Conclusion

The "one another" commands are the very fabric of New Testament church life. They call believers to move beyond superficial interactions to deep, meaningful, and Christ-centered relationships. They challenge us to lay down our own preferences and embrace a lifestyle of humility, service, and sacrificial love. As we diligently strive to "love one another," "serve one another," "forgive one another," and "build up one another," we not only obey the Lord but also participate in building a vibrant, Spirit-filled community that glorifies God and effectively proclaims His transforming power to the world. These commands are not just ancient texts; they are living instructions for every believer, every day, in every church.