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Let’s Grow Together: Aligning Beliefs, Behaviors, and Love in Christ

 

"Illustration of the human body representing the Body of Christ working in unity"

Let’s Grow Together: Aligning Beliefs, Behaviors, and Love in Christ

"But speaking the truth in love, we may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ."  Ephesians 4:15 (KSB)

   The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4 that there is both an individual and a collective consciousness in the Body of Christ. Jesus gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for ministry and to build up His body. This body is not a single person, it is all of us, joined together in unity, growing as one. For us to grow together, certain principles must be in place. First, our behaviors and beliefs must be in alignment. If they are not, we will experience inner turmoil, which will spill over into the communities we are part of. Paul warns us not to be like children tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, but to stand firm in what we believe and live accordingly.  If your beliefs and behaviors do not match, you must make a choice, change the belief if it is not truly yours or change the behavior if it does not reflect who you are in Christ. 

    This alignment brings peace and unity, making it possible for us to grow together. Paul also tells us to speak the truth in love. Some sacrifice truth for the sake of love, while others sacrifice love for the sake of truth. Both are needed. Truth without love can wound, and love without truth can mislead. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, empowers us to share what is real, and to do so with compassion. We must be willing to hear and speak truth, even if it is uncomfortable, because truth sets us free. Finally, to grow together, everyone must do their part. Just as every organ, joint, and tissue in the human body has a function, so too does every member of the Body of Christ. No part exists without purpose. When each of us knows our role and fulfills it faithfully, the whole body thrives. But if some parts fail to function, growth slows or stops altogether.

   Growth together requires:

  1. Know what you believe.
  2. Speak the truth in love.
  3. Do your part.

đŸ“– Reflection: What is one belief or behavior you need to align so that you can contribute more effectively to the Body of Christ?

đŸ’¡ Action Step: This week, practice speaking the truth in love to someone in your faith community, with the goal of building unity and trust.

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