By Bill Gaultiere © 2006, 2012
This medley of 22 “One Anothers” from the New Testament (there are a total of 56) represents the heart of the Bible. This is what it means for people to be soul mates who are “deep-spirited friends” (Philippians 2:2b, MSG). These are the spiritual blessings of God’s love that we long for from “one another.”
The “One Anothers” are especially important in marriage. It’s the love of Christ that unite a husband and wife as one flesh and as soul mates. It’s the power of the Word of God that makes a community of any size become a “body of Christ.”
I’ve used these Scriptures (from the NIV 1984) on retreats or in small groups as a responsive reading. Group members take turns reading a “one another” verse out loud. And after each verse is read the whole group recites in unison the “one another” that defines them all:
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God” (1 John 4:7, KJV).
The “One Anothers”
Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35).
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).
“Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16).
“Stop passing judgment on one another” (Romans 14:13).
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you” (Romans 15:7).
“Instruct one another” (Romans 15:14).
“Greet one another” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
“Serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13).
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
“Be kind and compassionate to one another” (Ephesians 4:32).
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19).
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).
“Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
“Spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25).
“Do not slander one another” (James 4:11).
“Love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22).
“Offer hospitality to one another” (1 Peter 4:9).
“Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5).
“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1:7).
More Soul Shepherding
“Our Identity in Christ” will help you root yourself in the love of Christ so that you can bear fruit for him.
“Soul Shepherding is for you and your ministry.” Tax deductible donations to Soul Shepherding enables us to provide spiritual care and guidance to the pastors, pastors’ wives, missionaries, and leaders who care for others. Ministry leaders experience tremendous stress and often cannot afford the help that they need.Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ SoulShepherding.org
