One of the primary themes of the NT is what is sometimes referred to as the “one anothers.” We’re told to love one another (Jn. 13:34), serve one another (Gal. 5:13), bear each other’s burdens (Gal. 6:2), forgive one another (Col. 3:13), encourage/edify one another (1 Thes. 5:11), confess sins and pray for one another (Jas. 5:16), be kind and tenderhearted to one another (Eph. 4:32), and submit to one another in the fear of God (Eph. 5:21).
One clear implication of all these passages is that Christianity is not intended to be an individualistic faith. It is rooted in the context of community. You cannot go it alone. Of course, in the face of persecution many saints have endured isolation and imprisonment; but that’s the exception not the rule. What needs to be seared into our minds is that all of these “one another” imperatives find their footing here in this covenantal meal which we share.
You cannot forgive one another outside of the covenantal forgiveness we share in Christ. You cannot bear the burdens of the body if you are not a member of that body. Your encouragement of other saints cannot be edifying if it isn’t rooted in the death, burial, and resurrection which this meal proclaims we are joined to. You cannot truly love others (either fellow saints or enemies) if you haven’t been bound to Love Himself through the covenant of grace memorialized here.
As Christ binds us together in true communion with Himself and one another, His Spirit enables us to glorify Him in the performance all the covenantal duties we owe to one another. This is a mercy in the midst of the many mercies of God to us in this sacrament. It clarifies where to spend our limited energy: spend yourself upon doing for one another what Christ has done for you.
So come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ…
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