We need each other

Sunday January 23, 2022

We need each other

Search the Scriptures

[...] encouraged together by the faith which is common to us. Romans 1.12

In the woods, tree roots connect to each other and form a supportive system. One has access to water, another to nutrients, and another to sunlight. No tree has everything, but together they can grow and survive.

Paul says in Ephesians 4:15-16 : "[...] we will grow in every way toward him who is the head, Christ. From him the whole body […] derives its growth according to the activity which befits each of its parts, and edifies itself in love."

Some people struggle with this concept. They want to fly on their own, fall, then realize that certain things are important.

Encouragement. Even Paul needed it. He wrote to Timothy : "You know that all those who are in Asia have abandoned me, among others Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord shower his mercy on the family of Onesiphorus, for he has often consoled me and he never was not ashamed of my chains ; on the contrary, when he came to Rome, he looked for me with great eagerness and he found me." (2 Timothy 1.15-17)

Empathy. In Colossians 3:12 it says : "[...] put on fiery compassion." Everyone needs their feelings acknowledged. But sometimes we are in such a rush to "fix" people that we ignore their feelings.

Grace. For, as Christ has given you grace, so do you too. (Ephesians 4:32) It is the grace God gives us that motivates us to pass it on to others. God will never ask you to impart more grace than He has given you.

Listen the voice of God

Let's take the time to listen to what God wants to say. Which person does God put on your heart so that you show him encouragement, empathy or grace ?

Praying is simple. Speak to God as you would your closest friend. God loves you and he can hear everything. Here is an example of a prayer : "Lord, teach me to uplift others in love and to regard them as you regard them. Amen."

Praise God

To praise God is to express our gratitude to him. Today, what are your subjects of recognition ? Take a time to thank the Lord.

Act today

Now, deepen what you have received. What can you put in place to apply what God has told you ? Write down concrete actions you can take.

Honor the Lord

Our journey for the day ends. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"Lord, thank you for you have made each of us members of one body of which you are the head. Yours is the reign, the power and the glory, amen !"

Bob Gass

Source (The Thought of the Day)