Built Up in Love

But, speaking the truth in love, may [we] grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. —Ephesians 4: 15-16

Walking out of church one day, a little boy turned to his dad and said, “Looks like God is mad at us again.” That is a sad commentary on a sad truth. Although the church has been called to speak the truth in a loving way, so that the body of Christ would grow and mature in His image, the truth is not always spoken lovingly. Sometimes the message He’s entrusted to us is shared in anger or frustration.

** Love must be the covering for all we do.

If we minister to others in love, build them up and encourage them with our words and help them find their place of service to the Lord, the people will be loved to maturity—and the body of Christ will increase mightily. Each of us has a special calling in the body of Christ. If we don’t fill that place, we leave a gap. The body is weakened, and the church can’t be all that it could be. May God help you find your special service, and may He use you to nurture others—strengthening them, encouraging them, and loving them… for His sake, and for His glory.

Father, we want to become everything You would have us to be. May we show Your love and be built up in that love as we encourage and strengthen one another through the Spirit. Amen.