There is one word that comes up over 100 times in the New Testament portion of the Bible. This part of the Bible was originally written in Greek, and the word is allelon (pronounced al-lay-lawn) which means “one another.” Over and over again in the Bible we are told about how we should act toward one another. Here are just a few examples:

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

1 Peter 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

We are called to honor one another, to be patient with one another, to forgive one another, to encourage one another, to spur one another on, to offer hospitality to one another, to pray for one another, and to confess our sins to each other.

How many of these can we do on a Sunday morning at service? Maybe a couple. We can encourage each other to some degree, and maybe we can be patient with each other. But there just isn’t enough time for these things to happen on Sunday morning. No, if we are going to really live out these “one another” statements we need to have a setting where they are possible.

Here at Community Christian Church the setting is small groups. A small group is when a group of people (a small group of people, obviously) get together to live out these “one anothers.” It is a place where we can learn together, pray together, encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and journey together toward God.

Just imagine what it would look like to be a part of a community that truly lived out these “one another” statements. I don’t know about you, but that’s the sort of place I’d like to be, and that’s the sort of life I’d like to live.

If you’re interested in more information about small groups, please email me at nic.cox@communitycc.net

Nic Cox