ONE ANOTHER

Beginning in Ecclesiastes 4, “⁹ Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. ¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. ¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? ¹² And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him;  (Now look at this famous words from Soloman) and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Eccl. 4 is written in the context of friendship.  We know that one strand on its own is easily broken.  Even two strands are somewhat easily broken – but three strands is very difficult to break.  Why, because there is a synergy in that bonding together, that weaving together.  I don’t know that you can find a better description of true friendship than these verses here.  One of the greatest joys of being a Christian are the friendships that cross our paths on this life’s journey.  Outside of our families, these friendships should be the most faithful friendships of all. 

I believe that God has given us the local church so that we can develop these connections, these intertwined relationships that are woven together in an unbreakable bond.  Hermit relationships, or solo relationships within the church are just not fruit bearing.  From a Biblical perspective, I would venture to say that God intended for people to invade our worlds.   God intended for you and I to open up our circle – and not just to allow other people in, but even to bring other people in. 

In the New Testament alone, the term “one another” is used 100 times.  59 of those times specifically deals with the relationship we are to have with “one another.” Here are a few of those: 

• We are to love one another;

• We are to be devoted to one another

• We are to honor one another above ourselves

• We are to live in harmony with one another

• We are to edify (build up) one another

• We are to be like-minded with one another (walk a mile in their shoes)

• We are to accept one another (yes, with all of their flaws, with all of their baggage)

• We are to admonish one another (verbally challenge and encourage one another)

• We are to greet one another (verbally hug one another)

• We are to care for one another

• We are to serve one another

• We are to bear one another’s burdens

• We are to forgive one another

• We are to be patient with one another

• We are to speak truth in love to one another

• We are to be kind and compassionate toward one another

• We are to speak to one another with Psalms, and hymns and Spiritual songs.

• We are to submit to one another

• We are to bear one another

• We are to comfort one another

• We are to teach one another

• We are to encourage one another

• We are to stir up good works in one another

• We are to employ our gifts for the benefit of one another

• We are to clothe ourselves in humility toward one another

• We are to pray for one another

• We confess our faults to one another

• We are not to lie or be dishonest with one another

• We are to stop passing judgement on one another

• We are not to provoke or envy one another

• We are not to slander one another

• We are not to grumble or complain against one another

You and I as the body of Christ are joined together in one body.  We are brothers and sisters.  The purpose of the church is to raise up and show the world what one body looks like.  So, the simple truth is, we need one another.  “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Prov. 18:24)