Caring for One Another

Having close spiritual friendships isn’t just a nice idea:  it’s essential for followers of Jesus.  We need to give and receive God-focused, faith-building encouragement to avoid being hardened by sin’s deceit­fulness and to persevere with Christ to the end (Hebrews 3:12-14).  Are you in a small fellowship of faithful Christian friends who love and challenge each other like that?

God calls us to a rich body life in which we bless “one another”:

• Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
• Show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)
• Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
• Be subject to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
• Bear with one another (Ephesians 4:2)
• Forgive one another (Colossians 3:13)
• Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)
• Pray for one another (James 5:16)
• Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
• Confront one another (Colossians 3:16)
• Comfort one another (2 Corinthians 13:11)
• Stir one another up (Hebrews 10:24)
• Be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32)
• Honor one another (Romans 12:10)
• Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
• Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
• Love one another (Romans 13:8)

Remember, “one another” means reciprocal care—giving and receiv­ing support.  And you can’t experience that kind of necessary mutual ministry in a large-group worship gathering.  What’s more, you can’t experience this vital spiritual give-and-take by listening to first-rate Christian podcasts or reading great books or even by poring over Scripture for hours on end.  You need to open your heart with your brothers and sisters in Jesus:  We need small groups.