The Most Important One Another

(February 28, 2008)

I have found fifteen kinds of one anothers in the New Testament. Listed below are fourteen:

1. prefer one another - Rom 12:20,

2. receive one another - Rom 15:7,

3. salute one another - Rom 16:16,

4. serve one another - Gal 5:13,

5 & 6. do not provoke or envy one another - Gal 5:25,

7 & 8. forbear and forgive one another - Col 3:13,

9 & 10. teach and admonish one another - Col 3:16,

11. comfort one another - 1Thes 4:18,

12. edify one another - 1Thes 5:11,

13. exhort one another - Heb 10:25, and

14. love one another - 1Pet 1:22.

Impressive list, huh? But the 15^th one another is the most important. That’s right, without the 15^th none of the fourteen will occur. Can you guess the 15^th? Scan the list once again.

By reading on, I assume the reader is ready for the answer. Heb 10:24 commands us to consider one another. Consider doesn’t seem very powerful, but in reality, it’s crucial.

Action toward another can not take place before observation and reflection occur. Think about it: How can one love or serve another without first considering the other’s needs? How can one pray, comfort, or edify another without first considering another’s condition? Not until we get off our preoccupation with self will we do anything for another.

The process starts with an observation, Jesus spoke of a priest who would not so much as look - Luke 10:31. The process proceeds to reflection, Jesus spoke of a Levite who ignored what he saw - Luke 10:32. The process is completed with action, Jesus spoke of a Samaritan who acted, but only after he considered - Luke 10:33-35. May we consider one another - Jude 22.

Article Written by Elder Dolph Painter, Moriah Primitive Baptist Church

pastordolph@aol.com

This site created by Steve McCannon. This page last updated 02/07/2008