Living the Way of Jesus: A Complete Guide to the “One Another” Commands in the Bible
In the earliest days of Christianity, followers of Jesus weren’t called Christians—they were called followers of The Way (Acts 9:2). That title wasn’t just about believing something—it was about living differently. At the core of The Way was a radically countercultural commitment to community, love, and selflessness. Throughout the New Testament, we find dozens of practical commands teaching us how to treat one another. These “one another” Bible verses form the blueprint for authentic Christian community—and they’re as relevant today as they were in the first century.
To help you live out the heart of New Testament Christianity, here’s a complete list of all the “one another” commands in the Bible—organized by theme and packed with Scripture references for deeper study.
1. Love One Another
This is the most repeated and foundational “one another” command.
John 13:34 – “Love one another as I have loved you.”
John 13:35 – “By this all people will know that you are my disciples.”
John 15:12 – “Love one another as I have loved you.”
John 15:17 – “This is my command: love one another.”
Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love.”
Romans 13:8 – “Owe no one anything, except to love each other.”
1 Thessalonians 3:12 – “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another.”
1 Thessalonians 4:9 – “You have been taught by God to love one another.”
1 Peter 1:22 – “Love one another earnestly from a pure heart.”
1 Peter 4:8 – “Keep loving one another earnestly.”
1 John 3:11 – “This is the message… that we should love one another.”
1 John 3:23 – “Believe in the name… and love one another.”
1 John 4:7 – “Let us love one another, for love is from God.”
1 John 4:11–12 – “If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
2 John 5 – “I ask… that we love one another.”
2. Serve and Honor One Another
Galatians 5:13 – “Serve one another humbly in love.”
Romans 12:10 – “Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Philippians 2:3 – “In humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
1 Peter 4:10 – “Use your gifts to serve one another.”
3. Encourage, Build Up, and Teach One Another
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Encourage one another and build each other up.”
Hebrews 3:13 – “Encourage one another daily.”
Hebrews 10:24 – “Stir up one another to love and good works.”
Hebrews 10:25 – “Encourage one another, all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Colossians 3:16 – “Teach and admonish one another in all wisdom.”
Romans 15:14 – “You yourselves are… able to instruct one another.”
4. Be Humble, Patient, and Forgiving with One Another
Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other.”
Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another.”
1 Peter 5:5 – “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.”
5. Submit to and Live in Harmony with One Another
Romans 12:16 – “Live in harmony with one another.”
Romans 15:5 – “Live in harmony with one another.”
Ephesians 5:21 – “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
1 Peter 3:8 – “All of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another.”
6. Speak Truthfully and Confess Sins to One Another
James 5:16 – “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other.”
Ephesians 4:25 – “Put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.”
Colossians 3:9 – “Do not lie to one another.”
7. Do Not Judge, Envy, or Provoke One Another
Romans 14:13 – “Let us not pass judgment on one another any longer.”
James 4:11 – “Do not slander one another.”
James 5:9 – “Do not grumble against one another.”
Galatians 5:15 – “If you bite and devour one another, watch out…”
Galatians 5:26 – “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.”
8. Welcome and Accept One Another
Romans 15:7 – “Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you.”
Romans 14:1 – “Accept the one whose faith is weak.”
Romans 14:3 – “The one who eats must not treat with contempt… and the one who does not eat must not judge…”
9. Greet One Another
Romans 16:16 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
1 Corinthians 16:20 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
2 Corinthians 13:12 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
1 Peter 5:14 – “Greet one another with the kiss of love.”
10. Pursue Unity and Peace with One Another
Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
1 Corinthians 1:10 – “Let there be no divisions among you.”
Mark 9:50 – “Be at peace with one another.”
Romans 12:18 – “If possible… live at peace with everyone.”
1 Thessalonians 5:13 – “Live in peace with each other.”
Final Thoughts
Obeying these “one another” commands isn’t about checking religious boxes—it’s about becoming more like Jesus in how we live and love. These verses guide us into the kind of Spirit-filled, grace-driven community we’re all longing for. Whether you’re leading a group, discipling others, or simply trying to grow in your faith, these truths are essential. To access my notes as part of “The Way” series, click here.