The Bible says in Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” However, with the recent Coronavirus restrictions, it seems the Bible should be updated to say “where two or three, but not more than ten, gather in my name…” Gathering together is an important part of the culture of Christ Followers. We are encouraged in Hebrews 10:25 “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” However, with the serious concerns about behavior which can spread the Coronavirus, it seems “social distancing” has made gathering together more of a challenge. Churches and Small Groups are exploring options for how to still be a connected community of believers without actually coming within 6 feet of each other.
I had concerns with how to talk about a Christian’s response to COVID-19, and my wife provided the solution when she said “if you are not going to follow precautions about the Coronavirus for yourself, then you at least need to for the sake of one another, just as the Bible says to.” (NOTE: to my fellow men out there, take it from me, always marry up just like I did...it is a blessing many times over!).
This little phrase, ”one another” (in Greek “allelon”), is used around 100 times in the New Testament, with 59 of those specifically referring to how we relate to each other as fellow believers and Christ Followers. I have listed those 59 verses at the end of this article for you to read. Some tell of how we should behave towards one another in a positive manner, and some warn how not to act towards one another. Of course, the command to love one another is repeated many times, as this is how the Body of Christ shows who we are to the world.
There are many serious issues with this COVID-19 virus, and cities, states, and countries around the world are implementing rules and procedures to slow the spread of the virus and get it under control. I have heard people say “God has this under control” and “God knows when my time is up.” Please understand I am in no way denying the omnipotent (all powerful) or omniscient (all knowing) attributes of God. However, it must also be kept in mind that God gave us the capacity to think rationally, and we live in a fallen, sinful world. There is death in this world. There are dangerous things in this world.
All I am trying to say is this: God is in control, but we must also act responsibly and use our brains. Take precautions and use good judgement. Practice good hygiene, social distancing, seclusion, and healthy habits. Adhere to governmental rules and regulations. Look out for family members, friends, and neighbors. Do the things that are recommended, not just for yourself, but for “one another” as well. And of course, pray. Pray for family, friends, and those you love. Pray also for those who don’t have a personal relationship with the Lord...whether your family members, your neighbors, or those across the world. Now is a time when people are seeking stability, peace, and healing. Jesus Christ is the only one that can provide those things to a world in need.
1. “…Be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50)
2. “…Wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
3. “…Love one another…” (John 13:34)
4. “…Love one another…” (John 13:34)
5. “…Love one another…” (John 13:35)
6. “…Love one another…” (John 15:12)
7. “…Love one another” (John 15:17)
8. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love…” (Romans 12:10)
9. “…Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)
10. “Live in harmony with one another…” (Romans 12:16)
11. “…Love one another…” (Romans 13:8)
12. “…Stop passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13)
13. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you…” (Romans 15:7)
14. “…Instruct one another.” (Romans 15:14)
15. “Greet one another with a holy kiss…” (Romans 16:16)
16. “…When you come together to eat, wait for each other.” (I Cor. 11:33)
17. “…Have equal concern for each other.” (I Corinthians 12:25)
18. “…Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (I Corinthians 16:20)
19. “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (II Corinthians 13:12)
20. “…Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
21. “If you keep on biting and devouring each other…you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:15)
22. “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (Galatians 5:26)
23. “Carry each other’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2)
24. “…Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
25. “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” (Ephesians 4:32)
26. “…Forgiving each other…” (Ephesians 4:32)
27. “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” (Ephesians 5:19)
28. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)
29. “…In humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
30. “Do not lie to each other…” (Colossians 3:9)
31. “Bear with each other…” (Colossians 3:13)
32. “…Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” (Colossians 3:13)
33. “Teach…[one another]” (Colossians 3:16)
34. “…Admonish one another (Colossians 3:16)
35. “…Make your love increase and overflow for each other.” (I Thessalonians 3:12)
36. “…Love each other.” (I Thessalonians 4:9)
37. “…Encourage each other…”(I Thessalonians 4:18)
38. “…Encourage each other…” I Thessalonians 5:11)
39. “…Build each other up…” (I Thessalonians 5:11)
40. “Encourage one another daily…” Hebrews 3:13)
41. “…Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)
42. “…Encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25)
43. “…Do not slander one another.” (James 4:11)
44. “Don’t grumble against each other…” (James 5:9)
45. “Confess your sins to each other…” (James 5:16)
46. “…Pray for each other.” (James 5:16)
47. “…Love one another deeply, from the heart.” (I Peter 3:8)
48. “…Live in harmony with one another…” (I Peter 3:8)
49. “…Love each other deeply…” (I Peter 4:8)
50. “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (I Peter 4:9)
51. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…” (I Peter 4:10)
52. “…Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…”(I Peter 5:5)
53. “Greet one another with a kiss of love.” (I Peter 5:14)
54. “…Love one another.” (I John 3:11)
55. “…Love one another.” (I John 3:23)
56. “…Love one another.” (I John 4:7)
57. “…Love one another.” (I John 4:11)
58. “…Love one another.” (I John 4:12)
59. “…Love one another.” (II John 5)
From Prepare Your Church for the Future by Carl F. George
