Speaking of the Church, Jesus said that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18, KJV). The Church triumphant will be built on the rock that is Jesus Himself, and the testimony that He is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. This testimony is not merely a propositional truth, for it finds living expression in the “one another” and “each other” statements of Scripture. Here are a few:
We are to have peace with one another (Mark 9:50).
We are to have kindly affection to one another in brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another (Romans 12:10).
We are to be of the same mind to one another. We are not to set our minds on high things, but to associate with the humble (Romans 12:16).
We are not to put a stumbling block in our brother’s way (Romans 14:13).
We are to receive one another, just as Christ received us, to the glory of God (Romans 15:7).
We should not have dissension in our midst, but should show the same care for all members in the Body (1 Corinthians 12:25).
We are to look to serve one another (Galatians 5:13).
We are to bear one another’s burdens, thus fulfilling the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
We are to be kind to one another, tenderhearted and forgiving one another (Ephesians 4:32).
We are to speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to Jesus (Ephesians 5:19).
We are to submit to one another in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21).
We are not to lie to one another (Colossians 3:9).
We are to bear with one another, forgiving one another for hurts (Colossians 3:13).
We are to comfort one another with the promise of the resurrection of the righteous (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
We are to edify and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
We are to exhort each other daily (Hebrews 3:13).
We are not to speak evil of or grumble against one another (James 4:11, 5:9).
We are to confess our sins to one another, and then to pray for each other (James 5:16).
We are to love one another fervently with a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22).
We are to have compassion for one another (1 Peter 3:8), for love will cover a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).
We are to be hospitable to one another, without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9).
We are to minister to one another with our spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10).
We are to be submissive to one another, clothed in humility (1 Peter 5:5).
Such a Body! No wonder the forces of Satan will not prevail against the Church, for it is a community of transformed, heavenly relationships. No wonder the lost are turning to Jesus Christ around the world! O Heavenly Father, may all unreached peoples know we are Your disciples by the love we show one another, and may they also experience the joy of redemption and redeemed relationships!
