Cell Group Edification: Building One Another Up
Edification
The intensity of our love is based on the fact that we cannot do without each other. Each stone is built upon the other. Each living stone is both dependent upon and supporting the other. In a body, we cannot say any one stone is more important than another.
“...you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house...”
I Peter 2:5
A healthy cell group is more than a meeting. It is a spiritual house where believers experience belonging, support, and a growing unity in Christ.
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends... This I command you, that you love one another.”
John 15:10–17
- Loved → Belonging. We are effectively networked into a spiritual house so that everyone is enriched by God’s love through the personal lives of other Christians.
- Equipped → Service. We encouragingly teach, care, and support each other so that we all can better serve one another and others. Spiritual gifts are given to be used for each other.
- United → One House. We expectantly worship, serve, and pray together, realizing that much more will be done in and through us when we unite to do God’s will (John 17:21).
Building Friendships That Lead to Sharing the Faith
- Reach out to people, caring about their needs, frustrations, and problems—without reservation or thought of manipulation.
- Establish a trust relationship where genuine two-way communication takes place.
- Share what Christ has done in your own life and encourage a personal commitment to Him.
- Continue communicating on a supportive and encouraging level until you free the other person from dependence on you to serve others.