Friday 20 March 2026
- Bible Book:
- 2 Corinthians
Everything we do, beloved, is for the sake of building you up. (v. 19)
Background
Paul’s aim in dealings with the Corinthians is to build them up in Christ and strengthen them so ideally when he leaves them, they can continue to grow together in their new-found Christian faith. He’s not doing it to gain a reputation, it’s simply that he loves the Corinthians and wants the best for them.
The second verse of Charles Wesley’ hymn ‘All praise to our redeeming Lord’ goes like this: "He bids us build each other up; And, gathered into one, To our high calling’s glorious hope, We hand in hand go on."
How do we build each other up? It isn’t easy if we’re not comfortable talking about our faith! A few years ago, the Methodist Church produced an excellent resource, ‘Time To Talk Of God’, to help us find words for our faith when talking amongst each other. If we can’t talk about our faith with each other, what help is there for us? I’m assuming that we trust that we can indeed be built up in Christ – that our faith changes us for good.
Sunday worship is the main way we have in most churches to build each other up, but is that enough? Most ministers I know have been part of a small group – a fellowship or Bible study group – where the group nurtured their faith. It's a place where people could be honest about questions and challenging each other and felt surrounded with prayer. It's a place where the members simply want the best for each other, to support each other on their Christian journey, as they ‘hand in hand' go on.
To Ponder:
- Where is your faith support group?
- Do our churches have enough opportunities for building each other up?
Prayer
Lord, you are the light of the minds who know you, the life of the souls who love you, and the strength of the souls who serve you. Help us to know you that we may truly love you, so to love you that we may fully serve you, whose service is perfect freedom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (St Augustine)
Bible notes author: The Revd Richard Parkes
Richard Parkes is a retired presbyter, currently living in Newcastle-under-Lyme.