One Another
Adrian Thornton

Our focus on family is not because we are a broken family. I’ve been part of this church for over 20 years, and my experience has been rich and meaningful. I walked in as a stranger once. No one knew me. But I made a decision early: this is my house, my family, and I will serve. From stacking chairs on that first Sunday to raising my kids here, this church has been a gift.

So why talk about family? Because, like the parable of the blind men and the elephant, we all experience only part of the whole. Each blind man described the elephant accurately. A wall, a spear, a tree trunk, a snake. None had the full picture, though. In the same way, we all have experiences of family. Many are good. Some are not. I believe God is gently saying to us, “There’s more. Come around the corner. There’s a fuller expression of family to discover.”

In John 13, at the Last Supper, Jesus gives a new command:

This is not a suggestion for leaders alone. It is a command to the whole church. In fact, nearly 50 times in the New Testament we are instructed to practice the “one anothers.” The job of church leaders is to model and equip the saints for the work of ministry. It’s not to do all the caring themselves (Ephesians 4:11–13).

Here are three “one another’s” that are consistent throughout the New Testament teaching.

First, we are called to love one another. This is more than affection (phileo), although that is a real and good form of love. The love that Jesus spoke about was agape love. This is self-giving, sacrificial, deliberate love. When Jesus said, “As I have loved you,” the disciples had just seen Him wash their feet. This is love expressed in action.

Second, we are called to encourage one another. Encouragement is more than words. It is that, but it is also presence. The Greek word connects with the idea of coming alongside a friend to help them continue on in the challenge they are facing. Sometimes the greatest encouragement is simply being there with somebody.

Third, we are called to accept one another. This means to welcome, include, and practice hospitality. Scripture urges us not to judge, divide, or create stumbling blocks, but to open our tables. Biblical hospitality was extended to the stranger, not just close friends. Who have you welcomed recently who is different from you?

This is what it means to be family: not one person caring for all, but all caring for one another. Loving with action. Encouraging with presence. Accepting with open hearts.

Don’t let fall on one what is meant to be done by all.