Paul says nothing in this passage  about one piece of armour we need to protect our backs. However, his letters are full of exhortations to love and protect one another. We are in this battle together, caring for one another as much as we care for ourselves. Our backs are as vulnerable as every other part but we have no protective covering to cover our vulnerability.

Colossians 3:12-14 NLT
[12] “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. [13] Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. [14] Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”

All Scripture points us to a precious truth that every believer is part of the protection for our backs. The New Covenant clearly teaches us that we are to care for and protect  “one another”. Love is the way we protect each another, expressed in every practical way that fends off the enemy’s strategy to hit us in our exposed parts.

Galatians 5:25-26 NLT
[25] “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. [26] Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”

Every “one another” Scripture protects a vulnerable part of us.

“These 23 One Anothers from the New Testament represent the heart of the Bible. They show us what it means for people to be soul mates who are “deep-spirited friends” (Philippians 2:2b, MSG). These are the spiritual blessings of God’s love in Christ that we long for from “one another.” This is “Christ in Community.”

THE “ONE ANOTHERS” IN THE BIBLE

Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all [people] will know that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35).

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly [and sisterly] love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

“Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16).

“Stop passing judgment on one another” (Romans 14:13).

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you” (Romans 15:7).

“Instruct one another” (Romans 15:14).

“Agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

“Serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13).

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

“Be kind and compassionate to one another” (Ephesians 4:32).

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19).

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).

“Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

“Spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25).

“Do not slander one another” (James 4:11).

“Love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22).

“Offer hospitality to one another” (1 Peter 4:9).

“Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5).

“Greet one another” (1 Peter 5:14)

“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1:7).

(All Bible verses are from the NIV84.)
(http://www.mmlearn.org)

When we apply these “one anothers” to the way we treat each other in the body of Christ, we keep close rank and allow no fiery darts reach and penetrate our backs.

The battle for our souls is never an alone one. We are all in it together. We must watch one another’s backs, restore the fallen,

Galatians 6:1 NLT
[1] “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”

and strengthen the weak.

Isaiah 35:3-4 NIV
[3]” Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; [4] say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

Only then can God’s army remain strong and invincible on the battle field. Only then will we share in Christ’s victory over sin and death. Only then can we claim our prize when our Commander-in-Chief returns.

Concluded