One Another

Christianity is certainly not an individualistic religion. It is true that each person must individually give an account before God (2 Corinthians 5:10). We cannot rely on the faith of our parents, spouse, or anyone else. Personal faith and repentance is required. Yet, by affirming that we must each individually give an account before God, it does not mean that we can take a “just me and God” approach to Christianity. We need one another. In his article "Why Should I Join a Church?" Jim Elliff writes:

In a culture where self-reliance, self-worth, self-esteem, and self-fulfillment are considered to be the most desirable personal characteristics, membership in a local church, where mutual submission, accountability, and inter-dependence are the way of life, seems foreign and even counter-productive.

Although participation in church life may seem foreign to us, we have been called to live with and for one another, all to the glory of God. (Jim's article clearly makes this point.) Consider some of the following responsibilities that we have toward one another:

1. Love one another – Romans 12:10

2. Honor one another – Romans 12:10
3. Live in harmony with one another – Romans 12:16
4. Instruct one another – Romans 15:14
5. Care for one another – 1 Corinthians 12:25
6. Comfort one another – 2 Corinthians 13:11
7. Serve one another – Galatians 5:13
8. Be kind to one another – Ephesians 4:32
9. Forgive one another – Ephesians 4:32
10. Address one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs – Ephesians 5:19
11. Submit to one another – Ephesians 5:21
12. Be truthful to one another – Colossians 3:9
13. Teach and Admonish one another – Colossians 3:16
14. Encourage one another – 1 Thessalonians 4:18
15. Build up one another – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
16. Do good to one another – 1 Thessalonians 5:15
17. Exhort one another – Hebrews 3:13
18. Consider how to stir up one another – Hebrews 10:24
19. Confess sins to one another – James 5:16
20. Pray for one another – James 5:16
21. Show hospitality to one another – 1 Peter 4:9

22. Be humble toward one another – 1 Peter 5:5

Many more references could be added to these; nevertheless, the testimony of God's Word is clear: we need one another. In light of this truth, a number of important questions should come to our minds: Are we trying to live out our relationship with the Lord with or apart from His Body, the Church? Are we using our gifts for the sake of the Body (1 Corinthians 12:5)? Do we need to repent for neglecting life within the Church?

May the Lord move our hearts to love both Him and the Church with a deep fervor.