“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” - John 13:34-35

One of the most powerful concepts in all of scripture is the “one another” statement. In case you don’t know what I mean, here’s a short list:

• Love one another (John 13:34 - This command occurs at least 16 times) 

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

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

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

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

• Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18) 

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

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

• Pray for one another (James 5:16) 

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

The common denominator is all of these “one another” statements is care.  The early church had its challenges. As people were coming into this new-found faith in Jesus, the church was quickly becoming the most eclectic and diverse gathering of people the world had ever seen. With cultural differences and language barriers, you can imagine the challenges for them to work alongside each other, much less live together.

It’s no wonder that Paul was constantly reminding the church to make caring for one another a top priority. But, the emphasis was on thinking about others. While the enemy was working overtime to divide the Church, Paul was working remotely to wage war against the enemy. His weapon - “one another”. It continues to be our weapon against divisiveness still today.

TRY IT: Take one of the suggested “one anothers” from the list above and live it out with a fellow believer.