The Gift of One Another
Jesus gives John to Mary and Mary to John, and it is the gift of the new. It is the gift of one another. Do you know that in the New Testament there are no fewer than 54 ‘one another’ statements? We are told in the book of Hebrews:
“Let us consider how we may spur – spur one another on towards love and good deeds. And do not give up meeting with one another and – as some are in the habit of doing.”
And then we are also told that we should encourage one another all the more as we see the day of God approaching.
Think about how those words might apply to John and Mary, that they should not give up meeting together. They should not get isolated in this dreadful moment of Jesus’ death; but rather they should spur one another on towards love and good deeds, and they should mutually encourage one another, to breathe – literally breathe courage into one another as they face very fearful days ahead. Mary and John were Jesus’ gift to one another just as this new family is the gift that has been given to you, the gift of one another.
I am simply going to give you a rapid fire list of all of the “one another” statements from the New Testament. Allow these encouragements to bring you deeper fellowship in the family of God; to become a type of blueprint for relationship.
Be at peace with each other. Wash one another’s feet. “Love one another as I have loved you.” Love each other. Be devoted to one another. Honor one another. Live in harmony with one another. Accept one another. Greet one another with a holy kiss. Agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you. Wait for one another. Have equal concern for each other. Serve one another in love.
Carry one another’s burdens. Bear with one another in love. Be kind and compassionate to one another. Forgive each other. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Bear with one another. Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Teach and admonish one another. Encourage, build up each other. Live in peace with one another.
Be kind to each other. Encourage one another. Spur one another on to love and good deeds. Confess your sins to one another. Pray for each other.
We should love another. Love one another. Love one another. Love one another. That is the message of John’s first letter. Where do you think he got that message? Jesus taught him love from the Cross:
“Woman, behold your son.” And then to John, “Behold your Mother.”
Love one another.
Live in harmony with one another. Love each other deeply. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Clothe yourselves with humility towards one another. Greet one another with the kiss of love.
And then we have the five “do not do” to one another’s. Do not pass judgment on one another. Do not become conceited, provoking, or envying one another. Do not lie to one another. Do not slander one another and do not grumble against one another.
Jesus has given us to one another as a gift to be treasured, stewarded, guarded and loved. Which of the 54 “one anothers” from the Scriptures spoke to your heart today? How can you apply that encouragement to your relationships today?
The post The Gift of One Another appeared first on St. Peter's Lake Mary.