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The Bible is clear about how to treat strangers

Everyday Faith

By Phil Cook 5 min read
Cook

In the New Testament of the Bible, there are 59 statements, commands even, about how we should treat one another. These are often just called the "One Anothers." Notice that these cannot be accomplished without us being known, being in relationship, being present and committed to one another. In these contexts, I believe the speakers were referring to how members of their own tribe treat one another, specifically early Christians mostly. But the Bible is also clear that the same applies to how we should treat strangers, outsiders, and even our enemies.

Can these One Anothers happen well without intentionality? Can this happen on a Sunday morning where we only have time for a quick smile and a handshake and a how-are-you-doing-I'm-good greeting? I think not. Here are some of the One Anothers:

"A new commandment I (Jesus) give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34). "These things I command you, so that you will love one another" (John 15:17). "Love one another with brotherly affection" (Romans 12:10). "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law" (Romans 13:8). "May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow more and more and become as great as our love for you" (1 Thessalonians 3:12).

"You have been taught by God to love one another... But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do this more and more" (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10). "Love one another earnestly from a pure heart" (1 Peter 1:22). "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly since love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). "For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another" (1 John 3:11). "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God... If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us" (1 John 4:7, 11-12).

"Outdo one another in showing honor" (Romans 12:10). "Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you" (Romans 15:7). "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling" (1 Peter 4:9).

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed" (James 5:16).

"Live in harmony with one another. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:16,18). "May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus" (Romans 15:5).

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). "Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others" (Colossians 3:13). "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:2-3).

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another" (Hebrews 10:24, 25). "But encourage one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13).

"My brothers, I myself believe that you are very good people. I believe that you know many things and are able to teach one another" (Romans 15:14). "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16). "Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart" (Ephesians 5:19).

"See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone" (1 Thessalonians 5:15). "For you were called to freedom. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13). "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace" (1 Peter 4:10).

"Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble'" (1 Peter 5:5). "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21). "Therefore, putting away lying, let every man speak truthfully with his neighbor, for we are members of one another" (Ephesians 4:25). "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices" (Colossians 3:9).

"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers" (James 4:11). "Do not grumble against one another" (James 5:9). "Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of (another)" (Romans 14:13). "We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another" (Galatians 5:26).

"Help each other in troubles and problems. This is the kind of law Christ asks us to obey" (Galatians 6:2). "…that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another" (1 Corinthians 12:25). "Finally, brothers and sisters, be joyful! Work to make things right with one another. Help one another and agree with one another. Live in peace. And the God who gives love and peace will be with you (2 Corinthians 13:11).

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