Still thinking through Christian friendship. A simple word search of all the “one another” passages in the New Testament is a great place to start getting at God’s thoughts on this subject. It yields some interesting results. For instance, in this list, look at some of the things we’re called to do with each other…
Honor each other.
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; – Romans 12:10
Owe each other love.
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. – Romans 13:8
Serve each other.
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. – Galatians 5:13
Speak truth to each other.
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. – Ephesians 4:25
Submit to each other.
…submitting to one another in the fear of God. – Ephesians 5:21
Comfort each other.
Therefore comfort one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:18
Confess to each other.
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. – James 5:16
Have each other over. Take care of each other.
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. – 1 Peter 4:9
Speak the scriptures to each other. Sing to each other.
…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, – Ephesians 5:19
Teach and admonish each other.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. – Colossians 3:16
Rejoice with each other. Weep with each other.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. – Romans 12:15
Stir each other up to do good things.
Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. – Hebrews 10:24