One Another: Life in the Church

“One Another”: Life in the Church

    Church life. What is life in the church supposed to look like? I can tell you that it won't be perfect. Even though the church will not be perfect here on earth, it can still be glorious. Redeemed sinners congregate in order to hear and submit to the word of God. The redeemed serve one another, serve their communities, support missions, evangelize, meet needs, etc. The church is not perfect but it can still be characterized, should be characterized by love, humility, peace, gentleness, devotion, patience, forgiveness, encouragement, prayer, hospitality, etc.

    However, we must not forget that the church is filled with fallen sinners. We are all sinners and unfortunately, the characteristics mentioned above are not always present. That means that there will be divisions, disagreements, gossip, hurt feelings, pride, anger, bitterness, sleepless nights, heartache, etc. We know this. But, how do we react? What do we do? It is these moments, when things are not going right, that we grow, show our character, reveal our faith in a great God, rise above adversity in order to glorify God, seek God's will, and persevere. What else can we do? We have to remain faithful!

    It is during the difficult times that God sanctifies his children and purifies his church. So, these seasons are beneficial. That doesn't mean that they are not difficult or not laden with pain. No, the struggle, stress, anxiety, pain, and suffering are real. But they are not pointless. We serve a sovereign God who can take even the most bleak circumstances and use them for his glory and our good. Praise God!

    Back to church life. What is a New Testament church supposed to look like? Throughout the New Testament there are many passages that use the phrase “one another.” This teaches several things. It demonstrates that Christians need to belong to a church. You cannot fulfill the “one another” passages and obey the word of God apart from being connected to a local body. Also, these verses show us how we are to act; how we are to behave. The “one another” passages tell us how to be Christlike and what church life should look like. What follows are many of these passages. Not all of them will be covered or mentioned. But enough will be presented to adequately demonstrate the points being made. If we name the name of Christ then we are to act a certain way. When trials and difficulties come, we are to act and respond in a certain way.

    It must be mentioned that these are not suggestions. This is the word of God. Christians need to humble themselves and submit to the authority of God, his word, and the leadership he has ordained for his church. So, here they are. Here are many of the passages that mention “one another” in the New Testament. Here are many of the passages that teach us how to act and what to do in the life of the church.

Love one another (Jn. 13:34)

Be devoted to one another in brotherly affection (Rom. 12:10)

Outdo one another in showing honor (Rom. 12:10)

Live in harmony with one another (Rom. 12:16)

Welcome one another (Rom. 15:7)

Instruct one another (Rom. 15:14)

Have the same care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25)

Through love serve one another (Gal. 5:13)

Bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2)

Bear with one another in love (Eph. 4:2)

Be kind to one another (Eph. 4:32)

Forgive one another (Eph. 4:32)

Address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19)

Submit to one another (Eph. 5:21)

Teach and admonish one another (Col. 3:16)

Encourage and build up one another (1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 3:13)

Seek to do good to one another (1 Thess. 5:15)

Stir up one another to love and good works (Heb. 10:24)

Confess your sins to one another (Jms. 5:16)

Pray for one another (Jms. 5:16)

Love one another earnestly (1 Pet. 4:8)

Show hospitality to one another (1 Pet. 4:9)

Use your gifts to serve one another (1 Pet. 4:10)

Clothe yourself with humility toward one another (1 Pet. 5:5)

    There you have it, commands from God's word as to how to act towards one another. Church, these should characterize us. This is church life. This is the Christian life. This is Christ's life in us.