The New Testament is replete with verses on the expression“one another,” which is translated from one word in Greek (ἀλλήλων). It denotes reciprocal, mutual action. It is sharing, fellowship, joint participation. All members of the body of Christ share a mutual relationship, which also includes shared responsibili- ties. It is impressive just how many times one can find this expression: one another. Let us consider a few of them in this short article.
Jesus said to his disciples: “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.) The badge of discipleship is to love one another. It is not unrequited love. What does“unrequited” denote? “Not returned in kind.” Brotherly love is not a one-way street. Love gives; love receives. The Apostle of Love also said, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18.)
Paul wrote to the saints at Rome: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” (Rom. 12:10.) One translation expresses the idea of “in honour preferring one another” by “Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Rom. 12:10.) That is hard to do with some members; one cannot outdo them. I am afraid some of them put me to shame; I can never out-give with them. You do a good deed for them; two good deeds come back to you. It puts one always in debt to others. That is good debt. If you cannot get even with them, pass on the good deed to someone who is unable to do for you. After all, those who help only those who reciprocate in kind, what value is it? Did not Jesus condemn such (Luke 6:27-36)?
The Thessalonian brethren had been instructed about the day of the Lord. In Paul’s first epistle to them, he said, “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” (1Thess. 5:4.) They would be ready for it, and so, must we. So, Paul wrote, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” (1 Thess. 5:11.) Thus, Christians are to comfort each other and edify or build up one another. The brethren there were doing that, but Paul urged them to keep it up. We, too, need to keep on encouraging each other to be faithful through these unprecedented times.
Another “one another” verse which reminds us of our duty is “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Eph. 4:32.) This, my dear friend and brother, is a command. It is not optional. One might think it burdensome, impossible; however, John said the Lord’s “commandments are not grievous.” (I John 5:3.) Meaning they are not burdensome. They are not too hard that they cannot be obeyed. And on what basis should I be kind to another, tenderhearted, forgiving another? “Even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Now that places it where the rubber meets the road. I should be kind, tenderhearted in forgiving another just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven me. If I want to be forgiven of my sins, I must forgive those who have wronged me when they repent (Matt. 6: 14-15; Luke 17:3).
I have seen several signs in yards in the past few months, which say simply: “Just Be kind.” Kindness, it seems, has been lost in our world. Is it even in our dictionaries anymore? “Kind” is mild, pleasant, proceeding from, or characteristic by, goodness, gentleness, or benevolence: as a kind act. In the Sermon on the Plain Jesus said, “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (Luke 6:35.) You want to learn how to be kind to the unkind and unthankful? Then, study about God. So, do good, if you receive nothing in return; be kind, even if your unfriendly brother or an enemy is not kind; do good regardless of whether others know of your deed; do good not to be seen of others; do good and tell no man. It will redound to the glory of God.
The apostle Paul wrote, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb. 10:24-25.) Due to the restrictions placed on us by the government, we have not been able to assemble as in the past. Some of us have been meeting in the church parking lot and the auditorium, staying within the guidelines given. We have done the best we can under the circumstances. But today, May 24, we can have up to 25 in the auditorium (practicing social distancing). We will also be able to use the parking lot again because we hope to be able to set up an FM transmitter for you to participate in your cars as you listen on an FM frequency. It seems that if one is working outside his home, going to stores to get groceries, going through a fast food place for food, that it is not unreasonable to encourage the same to drive to the parking lot, participate in the worship by the radio. We need to think about how we can support each other. I hope you will be encouraged to come worship God and also support your brothers and sisters in Christ as we try to make heaven our home. It was Roose- velt who said, “All that we have to fear is fear itself.” A greater than him said, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Heb. 13:5-6.)