My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. –John 15:12-13
I like to make “to-do lists.” Pick up groceries, drop off dry cleaning, buy gift for Sue, etc. When things get busy, it helps to have a list I can refer to that reminds me all I need to get done. All “to-dos” are compiled on a sticky note or pad of paper so I can (with great satisfaction) check each item off as I complete it.
Throughout the Bible, there are a variety of “to-dos” for Christians concerning how we are called to treat each other. They are referred to as the “one anothers.” Here are a few of them:
Romans 12:16 – Live in harmony with one another.
Romans 15:7 – Accept one another.
1 Corinthians 12:25 – Care for one another.
Galatians 5:13 – Serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:15 – Don’t spitefully hurt one another.
Galatians 5:26 – Don’t provoke or envy one another.
Galatians 6:2 – Carry one another’s burdens.
Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind to one another.
Ephesians 4:32 – Forgive one another.
Colossians 3:9 – Don’t lie to one another.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 – Comfort one another.
Titus 3:3 – Don’t hate one another.
Hebrews 3:13 – Encourage one another.
James 5:9 – Don’t bear grudges against one another.
James 5:16 – Pray for one another.
When the day gets busy and time gets short, I must admit, these things tend to get put on the very bottom of my priorities. I tend to focus on myself and how others should be treating me, not on how I am treating and reaching out to others. However, as Christians, the “one anothers” list is one of the most important “to-do” lists to have on hand. All of these are ways we show each other love and respect. It is how God has called us to treat one another.
GOING DEEPER:
Using your own personal “to-do” method, choose a few of the “one anothers” to remind yourself to do and focus upon this week.
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 106:1-3; Luke 6:27-36; Galatians 5:22