1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and other chapters teach that believers in Christ are part of a worldwide body made up of many members. We belong to each other, and so we are to help one another and bear one another’s burdens.

I’ve discovered in the last week that in the Holy Spirit’s prompting me to reach out to one person each day, at least two things have happened. The person I call is able to talk about whatever is going on with them, and I am able to listen, support, pray and encourage them. The second thing that has happened is that I am becoming more aware of the number of people in my life that God has called me to minister to, in different ways. I am, in turn, blessed and encouraged.

Nehemiah 3 is about people working together for God’s kingdom, working side-by-side. We all have different functions and gifts, but we are all of the same body in the Spirit. “For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly” (Rom 12:4-6a). 

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” (Rom 12:9-13)

Lord, thank You for those You have placed around me for support and encouragement, and for encouraging me to support and encourage others. Teach me that not only do I need You, but I need others if I am to have the impact You want me to have. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.