Love One Another: Becoming the Church Jesus Longs For

by Gerald L. Sittser

Love one another. It's one of the greatest, simplest and most difficult commands Jesus gave. And when it comes to the church, sometimes it seems impossible. How can we achieve unity within the diversity of the body of Christ? Gerald Sittser examines the "one another" statements throughout the New Testament to distill much-needed biblical wisdom for loving each other even in the midst of controversies and stalemates. Speaking from his own pastoral experience with the best and worst of church life, Sittser helps us understand more fully what the love Jesus commanded actually requires and shows us how to live it out―through struggle, servanthood, compromise and sacrifice.

Genres: Christian, Church, Theology

189 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2008

About the author

Usually publishes as Jerry Sittser.

Reviews

[Thelma Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe that this is an important read for the American church. Our society has become so busy that relationships have taken a back seat in priority. Most relationships even in the church are fairly shallow. Humans were created to live in relationships. We are suffering because our society has taken this turn. This book reminds us of the importance of being there for each other. The church needs this but so does society as a whole. This book is a very good book. Highly recommend.

[Mark Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

A substantial, pastoral treatment of the "one anothers" of the Bible. Full of insight and highly citable!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previously I read A Grace Disguised, and found it incredibly helpful with grief. I shared it many times and found people really connect to his life story and his writing. So I bought Love One Another. I tried to read it by myself but got distracted. Then a friend and I started our own book group and this is our currnt book. It is really challenging and good.
At this time in history, I have so many thoughts and feelings about how the church is representing itself and most are not good. It is more decisive and shaming. That is not what the church was designed for. In fact, so many have been so hurt by the Christian community. As a person that sees that hurt, I am so sorry.
This books reminds me and challenges me in my life to be the person I want to be, in community, with love, with forgiveness, with comfort and encouragement. Serving one another, with boundaries and healthy relationships. The church has some work to do to be the place of healing and restoration people need again.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A discussion around one another passages in the Bible along with some practical points. The book also has a study guide at the end.
• Welcome one another – Romans 15:7
• Be subject to one another – Ephesians 5:21
• Forbear one another – Ephesians 4:2
• Forgive one another – Colossians 3:12-13
• Confess sin to and pray for one another – James 5:13-16
• Serve one another – Galatians 5:13-14
• Encourage one another – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• Comfort one another – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
• Bear one another’s burdens – Galatians 6:2
• Stir up one another – Hebrews 10:24-25
• Admonish one another – Colossians 3:16

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I turn to this book time and time again for its practical theology about being the church. As an intentional interim pastor I often find myself in settings where people long to be loving and welcoming, encouraging, comforting and in service to one another. But they simply don't know what it means to genuinely live out these New Testament 'mutuality commands'.

Jerry offers real help to communities working on maintaining unity despite their myriad differences. The second edition [2008] of this book includes an updated discussion guide that has proven useful to me when leading Bible studies and developing sermon series in diverse settings.