This is my commandment,
that you love one another as I have loved you."
John 15:12

Over our back door, we have a plaque. It says: Love One Another.

The saying is certainly not original. It appears in the Old Testament and throughout the New. Indeed, it is amazing how often the phrase one another appears in the Scriptures. Here is a sampling of one-anothering passages in God's Word.

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13: 34-35)

Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10)

I ... beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:26)

And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10: 24-25)

Clearly, God's people are called to minister to one another. We are expected to facilitate and promote Christian community - the fellowship of mutual care for each other.

Among other things, that means that you and I ... will let the word of God dwell in us richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in our hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. (Colossians 3:16

< Lord, in our going out and coming in, teach us, show us the way, and, by your Spirit, empower us to love one another. Amen

Contributed by Pastor Richard
Published Sunday January 30, 2005
Week 10 of Liturgical Year A