In last week's article, we looked at "one another" texts which demonstrate whta we need to do for one another as God's people. This week, we will focus on "one another" texts which speak of that which we should not do to one another.

We should not judge one another.
Romans 14:13 reads, "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way." It must be understood that this is not a universal injunction against judgement. In context, Paul is speaking about such things as would fall into the realm of opinion rather than faith. In such an instance, we have no right to judge our brother, and in the process, place a cause for stumbling before him. We have no right to hold our personal opinions over another as though such were a matter of faith.

Again, we read, "Judge not, that you be not judged." (Mt 7:1). And again, it must be realized that neither is this an universal injunction against judgement. Continue to read, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Mt 7:2-5). Jesus' point is not that we should not judge, for if so, we would not be able to identify where our brother may be falling short of the word of God. We have such a responsibility (Jms 5:19-20; Mt 18:15; 1 Ti 5:20). However, what Jesus identifies is the hypocrisy of attempting to correct another, when we ourselves are guilty of (and failing to admit) the same error (Ro 2:1).

We should not bite and devour one another.
Paul cautioned the Galatians, "...if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!" (Gal 5:15). The freedom which we have in Christ should never be used as an opportunity to serve the flesh. In so doing, rather than peace and unity reigning in our lives, we will begin to bite and devour our brethren. Paul commented of the carnal living of the Corinthians in these words, "For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" (1 Cor 3:3). The apostle feared that such wickedness would continue among the brethren, and that it would lead to their destruction (2 Cor 12:20-21).

James comments on envy and self-seeking, which are part and parcel of those who will bite and devour one another. He wrote, "But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." (Jms 3:14-16).

Biting and devouring result from looking outward too much, and inward too little. If we would focus on our own lives, and on preparing ourselves for eternity, rather than seeking to justify ourselves before others, such things would cease. Keep in mind friend, Satan is described as "...a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Pe 5:8). It is the intent of Satan to devour the children of God; how dare we take up his cause also!

We should not provoke one another.
The Galatians received the words of Paul, "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." (Gal 5:26) When we develop a larger view of ourselves than we ought, we will inevitably provoke, or annoy others. Rather, we should "...in lowliness of mind...esteem others better..." (Php 2:3). Rather than a "better than thou" attitude, the Christian is to maintain a "...others better than himself." (Php 2:3) attitude.

We should not lie to one another.
"Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds..." (Col 3:9). Lying has no part in the child of God. Such is a work of the old man, the man which was corrupt and following the course of Satan (Jn 8:44). Now, we have "...put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another." (Eph 4:24-25). There is never an instance when it is appropriate to lie. Lies, whether we colour them white, orange, or purple with pink polka dots, are of the devil. The Bible tells us that "...all liars will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone..." (Rev 21:8). Friends, we must put away lying from ourselves.

We need to be concerned for one another. There are several things which God expects that we should do for one another, and likewise, a number of things which the faithful child of God will not do to others. Friend, let us walk in accordance with the gospel message; let us pattern our lives in the manner of Scripture, so that God will be glorified, saints will be edified, and sinners will be sanctified.