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One Another:
Living in Community

There is a little Greek word that has a lot to teach us about how we treat others. It is the word “allelon” which is usually translated “one another”. This phrase occurs 100 times in the New Testament, but these aren’t just words on a page. These words command us to treat others as Christ treated those around Him. How could we experience greater peace and joy if we followed these commands? How might the world see the church if we lived these ‘one another’ verses out? All the ‘one anothers’ flow from this central command Jesus gave; to be kind, compassionate and to love one another.

Love One Another — Rich Wilson
John 13:34
Are you carrying a grudge? Who are you struggling to get on with? The call to action to ‘love one another’ is the core message of the Bible. Love can sometimes be thought of as a feeling - and in a sense that’s true - but love is a choice we have to make each time we think, act and speak. When we choose to love those around us we start to see them as God sees them. Love helps us frame each decision we make.


Live In Harmony With One Another — Caroline Harmon
Romans 12:16
What does it look like to live in union with the people around you? How could you make a change in your life to bring about peace and wholeness? When we think of peace we think of the absence of war, times of tranquility and calm. But peace isn’t an absence, it’s a wholeness. Living at peace and harmony with others and our environment takes effort. It isn’t going to happen on its own.


Commit To One Another — Luc Sadler
Colossians 3:13
Friendships and relationships without commitment are like a house built on sand. At the first sign of trouble they’ll come crashing down. Finding the right people to commit to enables you both to journey through life together well, supporting each other as you go. The act of commitment builds a solid foundation of trust that allows both parties to flourish.

Encourage One Another — Joe McSharry
Romans 14:19
When was the last time you called out the good in someone? What are you doing to build friendships? Our small actions can have a big impact on those around us. Each time you interact with someone you have the opportunity to affect their day. Speaking encouragement over a person can build up their confidence in an instant. Encouragement is a personal choice. We must be purposeful in communicating our appreciation for others.


Honour One Another — John Houghton
Romans 12:10
Who’s needs could you put before your own wants? How have you been invested in by others, and how could you thank them? To honour someone is to regard them with admiration and respect. When we go out of our way to honour people for their actions or who they are, we are saying ‘I see your best self’. We need humility if we are to consider others before ourselves.

Serve One Another — Chris Xavier
Galatians 5:13
We are a people who have been blessed to be a blessing. Our gifts and talents are not ones to cling onto, but, rather, to give away with an open hand. Serving one another out of love reflects the example Jesus gave us when he died for humanity on the cross. Submitting to the one who submitted Himself to us convicts us to do likewise for others.


Pray For One Another — Anita Williams
James 5:16
God hears your prayers, he is moved by your petitions. When we pray for others we are asking God to move in their lives, we asking Him to do the miraculous. When we become a praying community we make ourselves available to each other.

Forgive One Another — Rich Cave
Ephesians 4:2
Who in your life do you need to forgive? How could you allow God to help you forgive others? God is big on forgiveness. Every last one of us needs God’s forgiveness in our lives. Scripture also emphasises how necessary it is to forgive others if we intend on following Christ. Forgiveness is crucial to our growth as Christians.


Share with One Another (Pt.1) — Phil Lyon
1 Peter 4:9
Hospitality is just as much an attitude of the heart as it is a meal on the table. When we practice hospitality we show kindness toward others in practical ways. It all boils down to this: just how valuable are other people to you?


Share with One Another (Pt.2) — Rachel Sadler
1 Peter 4:9
What could you share for the benefit of others? Who was the last person you opened your home to? Hospitality is just as much an attitude of the heart as it is a meal on the table. When we practice hospitality we show kindness toward others in practical ways. It all boils down to this: just how valuable are other people to you?



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