Phil. 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” This is not putting your nose in somebody else’s business, but it is putting your hand to somebody else’s load.

Gal 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Eph. 4:15-16 “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

We need each other to grow like this, to be built up into Christ. You and I must help others in Christ with words of admonition, correction, encouragement, comfort.  Especially we must use Scripture to speak the truth.  And you and I must accept words of admonition, correction, encouragement and comfort for our own growth and for the good of the whole body of Christ.  Nourishing and knitting in Col. 2:19 that leads to the “growth that is from God” comes from believers “speaking the truth” of God’s Word to one another “in love”.  This is your Lord’s assignment to you.  Will you accept and carry out his commandment “and so fulfill the law of Christ”?

After a moving sermon one Sunday morning, a man stood near the back of the church, eyes red and moist from tears. A member of the pastoral staff came up to him, engaged him in casual conversation then went on his way.  Don’t be the one who walks away from a brother or sister in need.  Resolve to speak the truth in love.  The Holy Spirit will help you.

See People Helping People, Spiritual Life Studies and Healing for the Church for practical help.  Go to “My Books” page to order.

May the Lord send someone who practices edification to you in your times of need.