One Another

One another, is a statement in the context of relationships.’

In the New Testament there are a number of ‘one another’ commands.

Each one is instructive and can be quite challenging in regards to how we may conduct ourselves in relationships and what we might expect back as a consequence of such encounters.

One

At this time in your life certain things may be concerning you. Health, Circumstances, Wealth, Relationships. Thoughts about the present, future and the past. You are important and valued by many. Be confident in who you are and try to reach out to others in that confidence knowing that as a result we may be uplifted ourselves.

Another

‘Nobody is an island’ as the saying goes! Any concerns that we have personally will in some measure affect people around us. Consider for a moment five ‘one another’s’ that might be instructive and of some value to us.

Wait (1)

How precious it is to stop, slow down and take time to review our lives personally and with one another. Often events take control and we feel helpless. We have to play a waiting game for a particular outcome we want. There is value in waiting and stopping which might be forced or chosen. Even in a worst case scenario that may come our way we can adjust, recover and move forward in life again.

Greet (2)

There will be appointed times to gather together in a social, business, family, professional and personal manner. We say Hello and spend time together. Such times might be awkward, special, routine and detailed. Then a time will come to say Goodbye for a season, a short time and then forever.

Love (3)

To ‘love one another’ is referenced up to 14 times and is a very important statement related to meaningful relationships.

In the Greek, Love can be understood in four ways:
Agape, which is an unconditional love for all.
Phileo, a tender platonic love that is chosen and committed.
Eros, a passionate and romantic love.
Storge, (stor-Jay) a family love that is also unconditional.

Bear or Carry (4)

It is not easy to bear the load or carry the concerns of those we love or have a social or professional commitment to. In recognising how we have been supported and observing its benefit, we have a privilege and honour to bear and carry the burdens and concerns of those around us with the ongoing support from those who love us.

A very strong and potentially upsetting picture is seeing our loved one being carried by professional or family bearers in a funeral context. Such a picture reminds us that the person being carried has in one form or another been there for us in love and patience.

It’s one of the last honours we can see and be a part of when those we love are ‘carried’ for a last time having been taken from us.

Encourage (5)

When a person seeks to encourage others they are generous from within themselves. They have an inner confidence and strength to freely give to others as we would want others to give to ourselves!

On the 15th October 2017 I completed the Manchester Half Marathon and it was brilliant to be on the receiving end of so much heart felt encouragement. I was genuinely encouraged ‘to keep going,’ ‘to finish well,’ to be affirmed as ‘amazing,’ all this without having to give anything back. I was so grateful and it spurred me on to complete the run confidently.

So let’s continue to Wait, Greet, Love, Bear and Encourage ‘One Another.’

References 1) 1 Corinthians 11 v 33: 2) Romans 16 v 16: 3) I John 4 v 7: 4) Galatians 6 v 2: 5) Hebrews 10 v 25:

For further reading hit the links below for the second edition of my book Blog 51 (October 2020) in black and white or colour