Topical Encyclopedia The concept of mutuality in the Bible encompasses themes of reciprocity, shared responsibility, and communal support among believers. It is a principle that underscores the interconnectedness of individuals within the body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of love, service, and cooperation.Mutual Love and Support Mutual love is a foundational aspect of Christian relationships. In John 13:34-35 , Jesus commands His disciples, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." This love is not merely an emotion but an active commitment to the well-being of others, reflecting the love Christ has for His church. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Romans 12:10 , where he writes, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This verse highlights the importance of mutual respect and honor, encouraging believers to prioritize the needs and dignity of others above their own. Mutual Edification Mutual edification is another key aspect of mutuality in the Christian community. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 , Paul exhorts the church, "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." The mutual building up of one another in faith is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. This involves teaching, admonishing, and supporting each other in the truth of the Gospel. Ephesians 4:15-16 also speaks to this, stating, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, through the work of each individual part." Here, the imagery of the body of Christ illustrates how each member contributes to the health and growth of the whole through mutual support and cooperation. Mutual Accountability Mutual accountability is a vital component of Christian fellowship. Believers are called to hold one another accountable in their walk with Christ, fostering an environment of transparency and integrity. James 5:16 instructs, "Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This practice of confession and prayer is a means of mutual accountability, promoting spiritual healing and strength. Galatians 6:1-2 further emphasizes this responsibility: "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The call to restore and bear one another's burdens reflects the mutual care and responsibility believers have for each other's spiritual welfare. Mutual Submission Mutual submission is a principle that governs relationships within the Christian community, promoting harmony and unity. Ephesians 5:21 instructs believers to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This submission is not about hierarchy but about willingly placing oneself in service to others, reflecting Christ's humility and love. In marriage, mutual submission is particularly emphasized. Ephesians 5:22-25 outlines the roles of husbands and wives, with wives submitting to their husbands as to the Lord, and husbands loving their wives as Christ loved the church. This mutual submission and love create a partnership that mirrors the relationship between Christ and His church. Conclusion The biblical concept of mutuality is integral to the life of the church, fostering a community where love, support, accountability, and submission are practiced in accordance with the teachings of Scripture. Through mutual relationships, believers are equipped to grow in faith and reflect the character of Christ to the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Reciprocally acting or related; reciprocally receiving and giving; reciprocally given and received; reciprocal; interchanged; as, a mutual love, advantage, assistance, aversion, etc.2. (a.) Possessed, experienced, or done by two or more persons or things at the same time; common; joint; as, mutual happiness; a mutual effort. Greek 1275. diaparatribe -- mutual irritation ... 1274, 1275. diaparatribe. 1276 . mutual irritation. Transliteration: diaparatribe Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ap-an-tos') Short Definition: friction. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1275.htm - 7k 4803. suzetesis -- disputation 240. allelon -- of one another 437. anthomologeomai -- to acknowledge fully, confess 4914. sunetheia -- habit, habitual use 1463. egkomboomai -- to put on oneself (as a garment) Library Of the Mutual Contentment of the Divine Persons, and the Mutual ... Mutual Invitation. For Mutual Edification. Mutual Help. Of the Mutual Consistency of the Accounts which are Given by ... Whether Mutual Indwelling is an Effect of Love? Concerning the Manner of the Mutual Communication . On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744) Contents: on Mutual Subjection on Sleeping in Church on the Wisdom ... How Alexander, Upon the League of Mutual Defense which Cleopatra ... Thesaurus Mutual (7 Occurrences)... a.) Reciprocally acting or related; reciprocally receiving and giving; reciprocally given and received; reciprocal; interchanged; as, a mutual love, advantage ... /m/mutual.htm - 8k Kindness (295 Occurrences) Brotherly (8 Occurrences) Love (703 Occurrences) League (20 Occurrences) Friendship (13 Occurrences) Fellowship (114 Occurrences) Talk (164 Occurrences) Meet (281 Occurrences) Mutually (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the meaning of mutual consent in 1 Corinthians 7:5? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is edification important in the life of a Christian? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about oral sex? | GotQuestions.org Mutual: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mutual (7 Occurrences)Romans 1:12 Romans 2:15 Romans 13:8 Romans 14:19 1 Corinthians 7:5 Ephesians 2:16 Philippians 2:2 Subtopics Related Terms |