Pastor Scott Applegate
“…we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Ephesians 4:15-16 NLT
How can we help each other grow?
1. We need to remember there are no “cookie-cutter” Christians, we should appreciate our Diversity
“Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” Romans 15:7 NLT
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10 ESV
- We have different:
- Personal preferences
- Personal experiences
- Opinions
- Secondary beliefs
- Temperaments
- Spiritual temperaments
2. We all naturally want to hide, therefore we should practice Vulnerability
“Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16 LB
- Focus on your own thoughts and feelings
- Don’t try and fix each other during group time
- Don’t talk over each other
- Don’t gossip
3. We are prone to self-deception, therefore we need to seek Accountability
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 ESV
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted…” Proverbs 27:6 NIV
4. We are all imperfect, therefore we need to walk in Humility
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 NLT
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:3-4 NLT