One Another

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
The Last Supper, popularly portrayed by artist Leonardo DaVinici, shows 6 men on either side of Jesus sitting at a long table.  From looking at the painting, it appears that there are multiple conversations ensuing amongst friends.  These disciples had been with Jesus throughout His years in ministry.  They had shared quiet moments with Jesus, they had been with him amidst miracles, and they had shared intimate conversations with Jesus.  They knew Jesus.  Here at this Last Supper we find Jesus giving his last instructions to His followers--a new commandment. An eleventh commandment.  
Jesus was very clear in His commandment; love each other like I have loved you.  If you look through the gospels you will find that Jesus tells the apostles and the people to “one another”
“One another” is two words in English, but it’s only one word in Greek: ἀλλήλων (ah-LAY-loan). It’s used in 100 times in 94 New Testament verses. 47 of those verses give instructions to the church.  Four of the “one another” commands are about kissing, but with all due apologies to David Crowder and John Mark McMillan, these kisses are neither “sloppy, wet” nor “unforeseen.”
When you study the “One Anothers” in Scripture, a few common themes show up
One third of the “One Another” statements deal with the unity of the church.  One third of them instruct Christians to love one another.  Another 15% stress an attitude of humility and deference among believers.
The New Testament fully explains what love does, and Jesus shows us how it looks.  Our love for each other is the testimony to the world that we are followers of Christ.  Discipleship is one of the ways that we love one another and we learn to love one another.   Without a close, active example it is difficult to learn how to do the hard things.  This is why hands on discipleship is important.  Learning to actively love in the way Jesus demonstrated is a long journey that needs a guide.
  1. Do others recognize you by your love for others?
  2. What can you do today to love others well?
All the one anothers.

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