Jorge Meléndez: "One for all, all for one"

Peace in Christ/Paz en Cristo,
“One for all, all for one” wrote Alexandre Dumas’ in the Three Musketeers. These words are such a vital statement that Switzerland adopted these very words as their national motto. This phrase presents an interesting dynamic, even thought it was used for literary fiction, its content is powerfully real. Its essence is simple; when one is down all come to his/her rescue, when all are down one will come to the rescue.
This statement is very important for every aspect of our daily living whether it’s at home, church, work, or at play, the importance for cohesiveness and teamwork is critical. Knowing that someone is there for us and with us during hard times is something very special.
This dynamic has always been a reality for mankind. After God had created Adam, God said that “it is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18); we all need someone. How long was Adam alone, the Bible does not specifically say but it must have been a long while for the LORD seen Adam’s loneliness.
The Bible gives us many examples and declarations for unity (Romans 15:1Phil 2:2; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Peter 1:22, 3:8). The LORD put it beautifully when he declared “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). It is the love for one another that will direct us to help one another, thus unity.
This love is exactly what Peter and Paul described as the “brotherhood” (Hebrews 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:17). It is this brotherhood of believers which is exactly what makes “One for all, all for one” a reality. When we see others as we see ourselves, love will prompt us to unity.
Understanding that we will all ultimately need help from someone, will give us a depth of wisdom. This understanding will help us be patient with others (as we would want), this love will prompt us to be understanding (as we would want), and this love will ultimately lead us to peace (what we all want). This wisdom brings about true unity.
Being a part of a family, congregation, team that has the mentality/heart of “One for all, all for one” is not as easy as it would seem. “One for all, all for one” is essentially a cry for sacrifice. No one wants to be inconvenienced or burdened yet “One for all, all for one” is exactly that (Galatians 6:2)! Paul declared this when he wrote to the Romans and stated “rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep,” understanding that all for all are one.
Being supportive to someone that is in need is beautiful especially when it’s self that requires the support. Be mindful of these Biblical declarations, this is especially important in terms of the need to congregate with a group of sincere believers (Hebrew 10:25). For within the congregation we worship God together, we learn, we grow, we help, and we are helped. A congregation of believers ought to be “One for all, all for one.”
Your brother in the faith,
Jorge Meléndez