Did you know the New Testament includes about 50 times when Jesus and the disciples tell us how to feel, speak, or act toward one another?
We’re told to care for one another, help one another, bear with one another, honor one another, sing to one another, do good to one another, and forgive one another—this is living the one another life.
These aren’t just nice ideas. Living them out is essential because they form the foundation of genuine Christian community. They shape how we show our faith to the world and how we care for one another within the body of Christ.
Let’s be honest: the world has its own version of “one another”—one another’s brokenness, bitterness, manipulation, and selfishness.
But God’s Word gives us a beautiful way to push back against that influence through the Bible’s “one another” teachings. These commands can transform, encourage, and strengthen us. They bring warmth and meaning to our relationships and help us feel more deeply connected.
As members of the body of Christ, we become a support system for each other. That’s how God designed His family to flourish: by sharing life together with love, encouragement, and generosity.
So, let’s look at three of these “one another” commands together.
Love One Another
John 13:34 (NASB) tells us, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
Here’s the heart of this passage: Jesus calls us to love one another, and that love is one of the clearest signs that we belong to Him. He doesn’t simply suggest it. He makes it the standard by which the world will recognize His followers.
And what kind of love does He mean? The same kind He has shown us—sacrificial, unconditional, and wholehearted. When we choose to love this way, people can see God’s presence at work in our lives. Our love becomes a living testimony to everyone around us.
Build One Another Up
We find this in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NASB), “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”
In other words, encouraging and strengthening one another should be an ongoing part of life together as believers.
Why does that matter so much? Consider a few reasons:
- Every believer needs encouragement and support.
- As we follow Jesus day by day, we’re all at different stages of growth. Some of us are just laying a foundation, while others may be working on the fourth or fifth floor.
- We also come to church in different stages of disrepair, worn down by the hailstorms and water damage of life. Paul reminds us that we need a Christian community to help rebuild and repair the places that need care.
Stir Up One Another
Hebrews 10:24 (NASB) teaches, “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”
To me, this is the glue that helps keep all the other “one another” commands alive. When we stir each other up, we’re more likely to gather, pray, serve, and share meaningful fellowship. Without that encouragement, we can easily miss opportunities to grow and support one another.
Maybe there’s someone you’ve been hoping to encourage—to join a Bible study, begin a regular prayer time, meet for one-on-one discipleship, share coffee, or welcome a new family into a small gathering. A thoughtful invitation can strengthen a relationship and, little by little, build up the whole church body.
As you put these commands into practice, remember that people respond in different ways. Sometimes your example will inspire someone to love and do good. Sometimes a gentle word is what they need. And sometimes faithful, patient encouragement helps them take that next step.
The more we understand and live out these biblical teachings, the more connected we become—and the more we experience the joy of truly loving and caring for one another.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34
Discussion Questions
1. In your everyday relationships, what does it mean to love others as Jesus loved us?
2. Who needs encouragement in your life, and how can you build them up this week?
3. How can you encourage and love someone without creating pressure or judgment?
Take the Next Step
Before this week ends, choose one person you can love, encourage, or build up in a practical way. Send a note, make a call, offer an invitation, or lend a helping hand—and ask God to use that simple act to strengthen your connection and reflect His love.
Consider starting a small group Bible Study as your Take the Next Step – See my free Bible Studies!