"One Another"

Having close spiritual friendships isn’t just a nice idea: it’s essential for followers of Jesus. We need to give and receive God-focused, faith-building encouragement to avoid being hardened by sin’s deceitfulness and to persevere with Christ to the end (Heb 3:12-14). That's a serious need--not like "I need a new tie," but like "I need food and water." Are you in a small fellowship of faithful Christian friends who love and challenge each other on a deep level, so that you can survive and thrive in your faith?

The Bible calls us to a deep, mature body life in which we bless “one another” in many ways:

Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
Show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)
Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
Be subject to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
Bear with one another (Ephesians 4:2)
Forgive one another (Colossians 3:13)
Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)
Pray for one another (James 5:16)
Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
Confront one another (Colossians 3:16)
Stir one another up (Hebrews 10:24)
Be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32)
Honor one another (Romans 12:10)
Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
Love one another (Romans 13:8)

Remember, “one another” means reciprocal care—giving and receiving support. And for that believers need small groups!