Instruct One Another

In Romans 15:14 and Colossians 3:16, we are called to instruct one another. The word ‘instruct’ brings up a teacher-student image in most of our minds and that is not really what is meant in either of these passages. The word “admonish” is most frequently used in our English bibles and I even like the word “counsel” as the NLT has. The word has a sense of encouragement, advice, or even warning. Romans 15:14 says,” You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” Being an upright person morally and having knowledge is necessary to help one another along. As Paul mentions in the next verse, that’s why he is writing some of this to them, to remind them of some things they need to be reminded of. In the Colossians passage, the message of the gospel and the teachings of Jesus should be at the forefront of our minds as we admonish and help each other. Paul mentions the use of hymns, and psalms because these were often sung by memory and would remind them of certain teachings. The goal behind this concept is not to create a community of believers that are watching for a moment point out each other’s faults but to create a community that fosters encouragement and care for one another. If we let Jesus’ teachings guide us and the Holy Spirit lead us, we will be able to help each other and receive the same words when we need it.