KNIT TOGETHER by Brigitte Straub

The importance and vitality of building one another up in love (according to Paul in letters to believers in Ephesus.)

For because of Him the whole body, closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly grows to full maturity, building itself up in love" (Ephesians 4:16).
As Paul instructs the body of believers in Ephesus concerning the importance and vitality in the building up of one another in love, he gives a wonderful illustration of what this looks like.
Paul uses the words "joined" and "knit together" to describe the close bonds with one another. And again, in Colossians 2:2, he says, "For my concern is that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in love."
Something spiritual occurs as two souls form a bond with one another. This can be a good thing as we see in the godly relationship of David and Jonathan. "The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul" (1 Samuel 18:1).
We are also warned in Proverbs 1:10, 15 about bonds with the wrong types of friends: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent... my son, do not walk in the way with them keep your foot from their path." 1 Corinthians 15:33 says we must not entertain evil company, for they corrupt good habits.
A good friendship will produce good fruit. "You will know them by their fruits... every good tree produces good fruit , but a bad tree bears bad fruit" (Mathew 7:16a, 17). What kind of people are you close with? Who do you have a strong bond with? Perhaps there is a friendship that needs re-evaluating.

Ask the Holy Spirit if there is anyone or anything in your life that you are connected with that takes the place of where God should be in your life. Ask Him to tear down anything that is ungodly, so He becomes all in your life. And then ask Him to show you those with whom should have close friendships. As He places people in your life that He himself has appointed, thank Him, and lift one another up in love.

Prayer: Father, we love You and thank You for sending Your Son, as a revealer of Who You are. We thank You that we are able to experience a close, intimate relationship with You. Holy Spirit, please guide us in the area of friendships, that they would be godly and form good fruit. Show us any areas in our life that are not pleasing to You so we may learn to walk the way You have called us to. In Jesus' name, amen.