God Created You to Need Other People
By Rick Warren
“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow.” Ephesians 4:16 (NLT)
There are some things you will never learn on your own. You only learn them in community. To grow and develop your potential, you must learn from other people.
For example, you can only learn forgiveness in relationships. You can’t learn that on your own. You can only learn loyalty in relationships. You can only learn love in relationships. You can’t learn kindness or faithfulness or graciousness or unselfishness without others.
In fact, the most important things you need to learn in life require that you be in relationship to other people. You can’t do it on your own. If you want to build your potential, you must learn from others.
Where is the best place to do that? In God’s family. You learn it by being connected to the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:16 says, “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow” (NLT).
This is why I’ve talked so much about small groups over the years—because I’ve seen it work: I’ve seen people join a small group who felt unconnected, who were unsure of their purpose, who needed direction in serving others, who just needed to be known. And being in community with others in God’s family made all the difference. Sharing their lives and being open about their struggles and cheering each other on in life made all the difference.
Why does sharing your life with others make a difference? Because you weren’t made for success. You were made for significance. And the best way to live a life of significance is in relationship with others, serving and sharing and growing and worshiping with them.
You need the people God has placed in your life. And they need you! God wired us to depend on each other and to learn from each other. When you’re connected to other people, it’s not just you who grows and benefits. You also use your gifts and experiences to help others fulfill their purpose.
We need each other!
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
