The Greek word allēlous is translated “one another” or “each other.” The New Testament uses these commands to show how Christians should live together in the body of Christ.
Review the commands below. Choose five that you can begin practicing now. Then write one or two sentences explaining how you will incorporate each one into your life.
Accept One Another
- “Accept one another, just as Christ accepted us” (Romans 15:7).
- “Be at peace with each other” (Mark 9:50).
- “Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16; 1 Peter 3:8).
- “Bear with each other” (Colossians 3:13).
- “Be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
- “Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another” (Colossians 3:13).
- “Forgiving each other as God in Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).
- “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).
- “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).
- “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5).
Respect One Another
- “Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10).
- “When you come together to eat, wait for each other” (1 Corinthians 11:33).
- “Have equal concern for each other” (1 Corinthians 12:25).
- “Be kind and compassionate to one another” (Ephesians 4:32).
- “In humility, consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
Have Affection for One Another
- “Love one another” (John 13:34 and twelve other references).
- “Love one another deeply from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 4:8).
- “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14).
- “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:10).
- “Make your love increase and overflow for each other” (1 Thessalonians 3:12).
Teach and Encourage One Another
- “Instruct one another” (Romans 15:14).
- “Teach one another” (Colossians 3:16).
- “Admonish one another” (Colossians 3:16).
- “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19).
- “Build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
- “Stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).
- “Encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).
- “Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).
- “Encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
- “Encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Serve One Another
- “Wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).
- “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
- “Carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).
- “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9).
- “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10).
Relationship Breakers
The New Testament also identifies attitudes and actions that damage Christian relationships:
- “Do not slander one another” (James 4:11).
- “Do not lie to each other” (Colossians 3:9).
- “Do not grumble against each other” (James 5:9).
- “Stop passing judgment on one another” (Romans 14:13).
- “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other” (Galatians 5:26).
- “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some” (Hebrews 10:25).