3 Simple Ways the New Testament Invites Us to Care for One Another
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The phrase “one another” is repeated over 100 times in the New Testament. This comes from the Greek word allelon which means “one another, each other; mutually reciprocally.” Most of these passages are addressing how – and sometimes how not – to treat our neighbors, friends, and families.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” We should be safe people that build each other up. That doesn't mean we don’t have bad days, but it does mean when we mess up, we fess up and take time to say sorry. It’s our job to be encouragers!
John 13:34 commands. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” These words come directly from Jesus and sum up God’s heart for how we are to engage the people around us. Jesus gave up his life for us as the ultimate example of sacrificial love. It’s his example that we aspire to follow.
Romans 12:10 adds, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” The love we have for our brothers and sisters in Christ is one that is devoted. That means it's not fickle. It’s willing to hang around for the tough talks, the disagreements, and the walks through the valley. We are to honor the image of God that exists in each person.
Philippians 2:3 tells us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” How do we live out this command of radical love? With humility that God grants us. We cannot think ourselves too important that serving, forgiving, and kindness are beyond us.
Our relationships are the primary way we live out our faith. How we treat our neighbor directly affects our relationship with God. Thankfully God enables us to live with more grace and love than we could ever be expected to muster up on our own. His Spirit is our helper and renews our strength when the going gets tough.
Let’s take time to ask Jesus to forgive us for the ways we’ve failed to care for each other and remember to take time to look out for each other.
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