“Edifying of Itself In Love”
Ephesians 4:16 says, “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
A church focused on Christ will increase. As it focuses on Christ, it edifies itself.
What does that mean?
Well, it means we all have an edification ministry. We don’t come to church to “get” a sermon. In fact, this text isn’t about coming to church at all.
It’s about being the church.
Did you edify someone in love this week? Edifying someone in love might be as simple as going to a park with another mom, or getting together for coffee with a brother. Some people call through the directory and just chat with the body, and others drop by their homes with a little “thinking of you” gift.
Who did you edify in love this week?
“Well, my life is just so busy. We’re just going, going, going… it’s all we can do to just…” Yes, but, along the way, did you edify someone in love this week?
“Isn’t that the pastor’s job?” Yes, it is, but it’s not only his job. The body edifies itself in love. Whom did YOU edify in love?
I am convinced that if every member intentionally loved people (lost and saved), we would be completely transformed as a church and as individuals.
Ministry happens all week long. Camp preparations, instruction of kids, using your skills to bless people, using your home for hospitality, smiling, saying a kind word to someone who’s down, opening the door to tell someone the Gospel… this is ministry. The daily kind.
Text someone. Call someone. Help someone. Meet someone. Write someone.
Edify the church in love.
–Pastor Ryan