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What does it mean to “one another” in the New Testament?

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God created us to be in relationship with Himself and with others. In eternity there will only be two things other than God: His Word and His children. If this is the case, it should challenge us to seek more God-honoring relationships now.

There are over 50 references in the New Testament about how we are to relate to “one another.” Most of these passages address our behavior, not just our attitudes.

I pray that the Holy Spirit uses this list to make you more Christ-like in your relationships!

Love One Another
John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

Romans 12:10, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Galatians 5:13, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Ephesians 4:2, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,”

Hebrews 10:24, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”

Hebrews 13:1, “Let brotherly love continue.”

1 Peter 1:22, “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,”

1 Peter 3:8, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”

1 John 3:11, “For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.”

1 John 3:23, “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.”

1 John 4:7, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”

1 John 4:11, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

1 John 4:12, “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”

2 John 1:5, “And now I ask you, dear lady–not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning–that we love one another.”

Be of One Mind with One Another

Romans 12:16, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”

1 Corinthians 1:10, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

1 Thessalonians 5:13, “and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.”

1 Peter 3:8, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

The word “unity” in 1 Peter 3:8 means literally to be “of one mind” or to be “like minded.” From the Bible we learn how God thinks. Then, in faith we apply His Word as the Spirit shows us. Being of the same mind with one another is embracing God’s viewpoint or attitudes towards life and one another. When we have the mind of Christ, we think with His values, we possess His vision and we allow Him to change our attitudes which in turn will change our actions toward one another. What can you do today to gain more of the mind of Christ?

Bearing with One Another

1 Corinthians 11:33, “So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another–”

1 Corinthians 12:25, “that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.”

Galatians 5:13, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Ephesians 4:2, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

In the last verse, “bearing with” one another is literally “to hold up.” Additionally, it conveys the ideas of “to endure, to bear with, put up with,” either in relationships or circumstances. In the context of Ephesians 4:2, the Word points us to four qualities that are needed to “bear with” one another: humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Our natural tendency is to be provoked by others especially when they do not share our ideas or convictions. When we cling to our desires rather than the well being of others, unity is threatened and we are in danger of hurting others.

Instead of getting provoked, Paul instructs us to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) Being kind and compassionate means doing whatever is beneficial and benevolent to others. Forgiving one another is extending grace, treating others as Christ treats us.

Who is grating on you right now? How can you extend Christ’s love to that person by “bearing with” him/her and place his/her interests ahead your own?

Encourage One Another

1 Thessalonians 4:18, “Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Hebrews 3:13, “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

When Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian church they were facing severe trials and persecutions (1 Thessalonians 1:6 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4). Yet Paul told them that they not only had the ability, but also the responsibility to encourage one another and to show their support for each other.

Every Christian is to be involved in the process of building up other Christians. The word “encourage” in the above verses is the Greek word “parakaleo” which translates as “comfort” or “encourage.” The word can also mean “to summon, or to call to one’s side to give aid” as one who comes alongside another to give aid, strength, comfort, and courage.

Who do you know needs encouragement today? Look around. Most likely many of the Christians around you are hurting and need your encouragement to bring courage to their lives.

Come Together With One Another

Hebrews 10:25, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Romans 15:14, “I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.”

Ephesians 5:19, “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,”

Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Hebrews 10:25, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Hebrews 10:24 says: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” The Greek text literally translates: “let us consider one another to stimulate (incite, promote) to love and good works.” The word “consider” is the Greek word “katanoeo” which means “to consider attentively, to perceive, to observe.” The author of Hebrews is calling us to take notice or pay attention to people so that we might better understand each others needs and pain. That way we can minister to those needs with a listening ear, an open caring heart, an encouraging word, and loving actions. But, to be able to do this we need to come together with one another.

How about you? Are you coming together with other Christians in the context of the local Church to stimulate other towards love and good deeds?

Greet One Another

Romans 16:16, “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.”

1 Corinthians 16:20, “All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.”

2 Corinthians 13:12, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”

1 Peter 5:14, “Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”

The command to “greet one another with a holy kiss” is found four times in the New Testament. The Greek word that is translated “greet” means “to greet or to welcome,” but the basic idea seemed to be “to embrace.” In the New Testament epistles “a holy kiss” was a sign of love, affection, and genuine interest in others. “A holy kiss” is different within each culture. Here in the US, it would be a warm hand shake, an arm around the shoulder, or a hug. But, however we extend “a holy kiss” today, we are encouraged to greet one another warmly and genuinely.

How are you doing with extending “a holy kiss” to other Christians?

Yet More One Another Commands

Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Ephesians 5:21, “submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

Colossians 3:13, “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

1 Thessalonians 5:15, “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”

1 Peter 4:9, “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.””

James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Negative One Another Commands

Romans 14:13, “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”

Galatians 5:26, “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Colossians 3:9, “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices”

James 4:11, “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.”

James 5:9, “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”

Comments

  1. Dave,

    You ask; “What can you do today to gain more of the mind of Christ?”

    Follow Torah as did Messiah (Christ in Hebrew) and all these you list will be added to you. There were no NT scripture for Yeshuah to follow, there was only OT scripture. If we do the same, we could only achieve the same, “the mind of Christ”, correct? It’s only logical.

    J.

    P.s. as a special added bonus shoppers… NT scripture! To verify the OT scripture and reconcile the nations to their Creator.

    2 Corinthians 5:17-20 “Therefore, if anyone is in Yeshua, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from Yahweh, who reconciled us to himself through Yeshua and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that Yahweh was reconciling the world to himself in Yeshua, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Yeshua’s ambassadors [priests], as though Yahweh were making His appeal through us. We implore you [believer] on Yeshua’s behalf: Be reconciled to Yahweh.” – get to work!

  6. Here are some examples of how scripture verifies scripture and how Yeshua also used Torah to show those with HIM who HE was.

    Luk 24:27 ESV; And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

    Luk 24:44 CJB Yeshua said to them, “This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.”

    Jhn 1:45 NKJ Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Torah, and also the prophets, wrote– Yeshua of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

    Act 28:23 ESV When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Yeshua both from the Torah of Moses and from the Prophets. (Acts 28:23 ESV)

    J.

  7. Can I say thanks too Dave? A good list of scriptures is sort of an extreem uplifting source of life. Life Christ has provided through His Word. After thinking over your “One Another” for a day. Better to say walking around in the real encouragement of it.
    I remembered an experiment: I had decided to simply allow myself to actually love people. In a manner after the Word. Real love.
    The response: a phenomnon as predicted people do respond well to love and they are quick to find the source of it.
    I naturally love my brethren I’m created in Christ to love it’s a piece of cake. I’ve noticed that ability spring out of spiritual life in my brethren as well. It’s actually easy to love coworkers but it does require a little more of a decision to do so.
    It is a powerful unifying experience even with those unregenrated, friends coworkers neighbors.
    Above all God commands us to love. But how can that be seen really as a command. I think it’s more like teaching a runner to run a mile. And then at the start of a big race the tranner looks the runner in the eyes and with all of his heart he say’s,”Run with all your heart.”
    The encouraging words are “Love” the other word is”Unity” and of course ” One Another.”
    I love you Lord thank you and praise you.

  8. God Bless Dave and others who read this post,

    This is a good post on working together, we as workman of the Word have to ask the question. Why so much information about working together with Love, Love one-another, speak out of Love, be rooted and grounded in Love, put on that Love (agape), and so on. Why?

    Well, what’s your foundation as a born again believer? Love

    What does (agape) really really mean? How does God really use this word? And why would He use it in a certain section of the Word? Man o Man, this Love has to be a Big Deal.

    It’s the back bone of Jesus Christ, God himself. How do we know that? What does the Word say? GOD IS LOVE. WoW.

    Anyway Dave to add to your article, I’m a Biblical Researcher and it’s interesting to note in Ephesians 4:2 you mentioned it many times.

    First we have in action: Humility,
    2ndly we have in action: Meekness,
    3rdly we have in action: longsuffering or patience
    4th we have in action: forbearing one another in LOVE (agape)

    First of all, this is the foundation or a foundational verse for the whole chapter 4, 5, and 6. The Structure of Ephesians–Chapters 1,2,3 is the Doctrinal side of Eph. Chatpers 4,5,6 is the practical side of Eph. So now, how important is this verse 4:2 now? Vary important.

    For example, try to apply Eph.6:10 with out Chapter 4:2 and have Godly results. Can’t happen. Some people will argue with me all day on this, “o yes I can”. Ok your applying verse 6:10 with out Love, tell me how far you get, and they never get back to me, interesting.

    And also, you cant work that list backwards either, for example, we can’t have love with out Humility. Can’t have love with out Meekness. Cant have love with out longsuffering. Or, how can someone have meekness with out Humility? Wont work, crazy a.

    We have to apply Humility first. To what? Well first God and His Word for yourself and others come next. Then your meek to God and His Word, then having Patience with God and His Word, then forbearing one-another with that LOVE. Man o Man what a great detail to understand. And remember for clarification, when I say “to His Word”, it’s got to be you and God and others mentioning His Word to you as well. That’s where the others come in, your like-minded on the Word, helping each other on His Word. When I open my mouth my wife expects the Word with Love and so on with her as she opens her mouth TO ME. That’s a relationship you can’t brake vary easily now isn’t it?

    God Bless, Hope this helps in your relationships with God and others around YOU.

    JIM

  9. We know that perfect love does not fear. 1Jo 4:18

    Loving is so vital because it bears on another’s burdens. Loving edifies the loved. In love we all are changed by the Holy Spirit who causes us to grow out of our physical focus, unto the Spirit of God. We are commanded to be perfect. The Holy Spirit tells us that tribulation grows patience. Who does not need help to overcome tribulation?

    Rom 5:3, And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
    Jam 1:3, Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

    Growth into the Kingdom of God is then our personal development that requires love of the brethren and love for the lost. Every part of the body holding each other up. This is the mind of Christ.
    1Cr 10:1, 1Cr 12, 1Cr 13, Phl 2:5

    So as brother Jim relates, there is a progression unto holiness and we are to give all diligence to add to our faith. 2Pe 1:4-11
    virtue; and to virtue
    knowledge; and to knowledge
    temperance; and to temperance
    patience; and to patience
    godliness; and to godliness
    brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness
    charity.

    In this we know that we will not be unfruitful but will overcome.
    Rom 12:21, 1Jo 2:14

    Rev 21:7, He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

    • Who’s Chris? and Who’s Yeshuah? Referring to God? or Jesus Christ? or Both? some times this gets confusing.

      • Chris is the master of the blog you are participating in. He decides what gets published and what does not.

        Yeshuah is a transliteration of the Hebrew Messiah’s name from Hebrew to English. Strong’s H3091 – Yĕhowshuwa` from the Hebrew root H3068 and H3467, (make allowances for phonetics). This same word is traditionally transliterated to English as Joshua in OT scripture and Jesus from the Greek in NT scripture, Strong’s G2424 – Iēsous, note the root word (etymology) here. The BLB is very helpful in these matters and serves to clear the confusion of translating from language to language through several different languages and cultures. Best to go the Hebrew meaning of any word in scripture. For NT the Septuagint (a Greek translation of OT scripture) will cross reference the Greek word chosen to describe the original Hebrew intent. You will need to comprehend both Greek and Hebrew for this though.

        Pray for help with your confusion, 1Cr 14:33 HNV.

        J.

        P.s. in short Yeshua and Jesus is the same person, the Hebrew Messiah.

  11. Romans 5:5-8

    I wouldn’t be able to love others partially as a work in progress and impartially as in agape without God the Holy Spirit working in my heart with His love.

  12. Stephen you got that right–That’s what the Word say and in context as well, and then you can’t loose it. (hs) most people will say you can loose your hs, no, chapter and verse. But anyway, yes, cool, nice.

    Jim