31 Ways to Be a "One-Another" Christian: Loving Others with the Love of Jesus

by Stuart Scott, Andrew Jin

"Nobody reaches out to me when I go to church." "This church really isn't much of a family." Have you heard these kinds of comments? How sad if they are true, especially as God's Word has so much to say about how believers should interact with one another! An array of interpersonal problems between spouses, children, parents, siblings, friends, coworkers can easily develop, but if you are a Christian, you can put the Bible's message into practice and see how radically it transforms your relationships with others. By carefully examining the "one another" commands in Scripture, the authors provide a Word-based understanding of what God intends for Christian relationships - showing not only what they look like, but also how to develop them. Enjoy reading and sharing this book; it's very well suited for individuals, couples, and small groups.

Genres: Christian Living, Counselling, Faith, Theology, Nonfiction

160 pages, paperback

Published September 30, 2019

Reviews

[Amy Esslinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great resource for those seeking to build God-honoring relationships with others. It lays out Biblically and practically the "one another" commands in Scripture, giving guidance on how Scripture teaches our relationships ought to look. This will definitely be a resource I come back to.

[PBartist · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
While I obviously agreed with and enjoyed reading the topics in here, the writing and format of each chapter was harder to understand than necessary.some of the illustrations didn’t really match up and the author was a little confusing with his wording at times. I feel like a more comprehensive study on each one another passage would have been more beneficial in the long run.
But I really did appreciate how this book provoked me to think about each of these one another commands (and some of them in ways I hadn’t thought of before).

[Haley Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me 9 months to read this tiny book but it was worth it. It’s not the kind of book you just read a bunch of. It’s more of a little devotional for each day. I love the way that each biblical command is clearly laid out and you can turn to any page and immediately implement it in your life. I would love to do this a book/Bible study.

The one let-down: the appendix (ABCD) is very odd in that it doesn’t seem to be written as well and I don’t know if I would agree with all that he says there. Same for the conclusion.

[Brent Blanchette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book best read slowly and prayed over diligently. For most mature Christians, the 35 “one another” commands (31 in the main text and 4 in the appendix) may not all feel like new insights—though a few might. What makes this book truly life-changing is not a quick read for intellectual understanding, but a thoughtful, earnest reflection on each command. Through that reflection, each one reveals areas of sanctification still needed in a believer’s heart. It’s a book that is simple to read yet challenging to fully live out.

[Rachel Andrews · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book was very practical, there were two pervasive problems that made it very difficult for me to get the good stuff out.

First, a legalist could read through this entire book and not be convicted once. Every section is filled with “should”, “ought”, “must”, etc. language. It is all focused on how a believer needs to change. But there is little (nothing?) about how we are actually incapable of changing ourselves. I have always been a “take care of it yourself” kind of person. My struggle is knowing that I cannot make a list, check it off, and BAM, I’m a good Christian. This book did not encourage me to run to Jesus, or to rely on the Holy Spirit’s work in my heart to make me more like Christ. Indeed, the applications are solely focused on what *I* should do to be better, not on how I can seek the Lord’s help in any particular way.

Second, the author often equates his own interpretation of Scripture with the Scripture itself. He assumes that his interpretation is the only correct one, and the implication is that anyone who disagrees obviously doesn’t love God’s Word. The most ridiculous example is when he looks at Ephesians 5:21 and emphatically declares, “The Bible does not teach mutual submission.” Ummm… maybe you don’t think it does? But plenty of other Bible-believing, Jesus-loving people disagree. He makes many, many statements without any support, and just expects the reader to wholeheartedly agree/blindly accept his word for it.

I tried to read this charitably, but these two errors are so pervasive that I’m not sure I succeeded.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used this as a supplement in our Women’s Ministry Bible study on the “one anothers” of scripture. It gave collections of verses to add reference in teaching the commands and some practical ideas for illustrations. The chapter on Provoking was helpful.
However there are many statements made with no Biblical support for the author’s opinions, perhaps in trying to keep it short. Appendix A has a paragraph that I put a giant X on because of this. I was discouraged to see this from someone in Biblical counseling and yet with no mention of the potential damage of the twisting and abuses of these scriptures. I would hope the author would be living out the “consider one another” command yet he seems to have failed to do so in this area in particular.
I do appreciate identifying my areas in need of growth and seeking conviction from the Holy Spirit in answering the questions at the end of the chapters. I just wish there was more of a focus on gospel-transformation rather than this sort of -try harder do better- vibe. “It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh is no help at all..” John 6:63

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is NOT a read and put on a shelf book. It is one to keep handy on your bedside table or wherever you have your daily devotionals and, on your desk, so you can grab it and refer to it often.

In this excellent book, Dr. Stuart Scott and S. Andrew Jin walk us through 31 “one another” commands from the Bible. For each command, they provide:
—a Scripture passage
—an explanation of the command
—an illustration to help you better understand the command
—application questions and exercises that will help you, through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, evaluate how well you are following these commands and help you construct a plan to implement that command.

Also included are 5 bonus “one another” chapters.

This is an excellent daily devotional for individuals and families and it will provide a wonderful foundation for small group discussions Every new Christ-follower and seasoned Christ-follower will glean solid biblical truths through a careful study of each chapter. It makes a wonderful training resource for the church: Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Sunday school and Bible study leaders, and other lay leadership.

Biblical counselors will find it a valuable resource to use as homework for counselees.

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing from Shepherd Press. I was not required to provide a positive review. Thoughts in “My Two Cents” are my own opinion.

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of the book is OK, but definitely not what I was expecting out of this. Anytime I see a book like "31 ways" or "3 steps" etc. I am on guard against commands (imperatives) of Scripture being separated from who we are in Christ (indicatives) and ripped from their context in Scripture. Unfortunately I think this book does that. Each chapter is exceptionally short (maybe meant to be a devotional). But I think the result is that there was little to no time spent on rooting these commands in the gospel-truths that they were originally intended to be understood in by the original audience.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book covered a lot of great “one anothers” from Scripture that everyone can grow in, our group wanted the book to go deeper. The illustrations were very generic and it missed an opportunity to teach Christians how to deal with deeper pain and hurt or conflict.
We supplemented by bringing examples of Jesus modeling each “one another” and that led to significant conversation and mutual encouragement.

[Mikejencostanzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

“31 Ways” offers a no-nonsense, no-frills presentation of all the contexts that “one another” is used in the New Testament. Systematic and useful, in much the same way that a baseball enthusiast might find the “National Baseball Hall of Fame Almanac” to be of interest. A chapter for each example, predictable information and discussion questions about each one. A dependable, complete resource, with no missing pieces. In this way, it can be a helpful guide for individual use or group study.

“31 Ways” however, does not set out to inspire or excite its readers. This is one area I felt the book could be stronger. By the end of the book, a dedicated reader is going to literally be trying to work on over 30 different areas of personal growth—yikes! Not a bad thing, but simply the mere act of remembering all the parts and pieces (“welcome one another,” “instruct one another,” “forgive one another,” “comfort one another,” etc) is a feat in and of itself. But the point, and I think the authors would agree, is NOT to memorize the list, but rather to apply the growth in personal ways.

Here is where I think more emphasis on inspiring and exciting the readers’ imaginations would pay off. For example, in reading I was doing recently from a different resource, I was reminded of how we as believers are one body, and all the parts of the body are vitally invested in the welfare of the whole body. My hand feeds my mouth eagerly, and without hesitation. This vivid picture captures my imagination and fuels my desire to unflinchingly serve others in a way that a memorized checklist never can.

So, yes, “31 Ways” definitely earns its place as a small, but thorough resource. A curriculum, if you will. But one that shines best when complemented with additional resources that can capture the imagination and stir the heart.

~Jen

[Michelle Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book on the 31 “one another” commands of scripture, though there are really 35! It is a very practical book in that there are examples to apply these “one another” commands in your life, but the authors just give a brief one to two page overview of each command, and I think that some of the commands could have had a little more explanation to them. It is a great little book for a small group to study together and then hold each other accountable while they attempt to apply these commands to their lives.
It is excellent for a daily devotional.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it is strange to read such a book in the midst of a pandemic with social distancing, it was great to be reminded of these 'One Another' instructions. I loved this particular book because it was concise, to the point, could be done as a weekly study that wasn't time consuming, and was extremely practical with good self-evaluation questions at the end of each chapter. This made it a perfect book for me that I went through very slowly. I would enjoy this in a group study someday.

[Christa Blakey · Rating 3 out of 5]

31 Ways to Be a One Another Christian: Loving others with the love of Jesus by Stuart Scott reads as quick snapshots to get you thinking about the “one another”commands of Scripture. Each chapter is no more than three pages and includes a brief explanation, practical illustration and a few application questions to prompt personal response.

[Taryn Knepp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a succinct little devotional-style book on how to be a good “one-another” Christian. I read it as a supplement to my daily devotions and it worked great that way. Each chapter is short (2-3 pages), easy to digest & gave great illustrations and application to daily living.

[Pam Jenness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear. Concise. Convicting. Worth reading repeatedly.

[Valerie Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great discussion in small group from this book

[Sean Perron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convicting.

[Neil Kruger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible, convicting and practical.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely excellent, practical treatment of the one another commands of the New Testament. I believe every believer ought to take the time to work through this marvelous resource and give consideration into how each chapter applies to his/her life. The book will challenge you. The book will encourage you. The book will give you insight into practical ways that you can live the way that Jesus wants you to live as part of the body of Christ. The short chapters (1-3 pages) are obviously concise and demonstrate the simplicity of the one another commands. At the end of each chapter, the authors provide excellent questions for the reader to answer and excellent practical directives for how to apply the truth in every day living.

[Michael Dionne]

A tremendous book - clear, applicable, helpful, straightforward. Have used in our men's group at the church and in smaller family fellowship groups. Well received and appreciated by all. Looking forward to taking my family through it when the children are older.