The One Anothers: Life in Christian Community - Story

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The New Testament contains over 50 'one another' commands—love one another, serve one another, bear one another's burdens, forgive one another. These aren't suggestions for especially social Christians; they're the basic operating system of Christian faith. The Anabaptist tradition takes these commands seriously, recognizing that faith is not private but communal. Galatians 6:2 commands us to 'carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.' This isn't about being helpful neighbors—it's about sharing life so deeply that your struggles become my struggles, your joys become my joys. The early church in Acts 2:42-47 modeled this: 'They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.' Fellowship (koinonia) means shared life, not social activities. It's choosing to interweave your story with others' stories. Anabaptist communities practice mutual aid—sharing resources, caring for elderly parents together, helping with farming or business needs. This isn't welfare; it's family. Modern individualism tells us we should be self-sufficient. But 1 John 4:20 reveals the lie: 'Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.' We can't love the invisible God while ignoring the visible neighbor. Christian community is both witness and worship—showing the world what God's kingdom looks like while experiencing God's presence through His people.