Celebrate Recovery Weekly Encouragement 1-17-23

United We Stand

In a world that often promotes individual achievement, the Bible offers a refreshing perspective on the strength found in community. The essence of this truth is woven throughout Scripture, reminding us that we are designed to live, work, and share our lives with one another. The early church serves as a perfect example.

A Common Purpose
The book of Acts presents the early disciples as a group united by a common purpose. In Acts 2:42-47, we read about believers who "devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." They supported one another, sharing what they had, and their unity was instrumental in the spreading of the Gospel. Their shared purpose gave them an extraordinary strength that was evident to all around them.

The Body of Christ
The Apostle Paul gives us the imagery of the church as the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. This passage illustrates the interdependence of believers, each with different gifts and roles, yet all integral. Paul emphasizes that "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." Here we find strength through our diversity and unity, as each member contributes to the health and function of the body.

Bearing Each Others' Burdens
Galatians 6:2 encourages us to "carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." When we support others in their trials, our community becomes a source of strength and resilience. The church is intended to be a place where we can be open about our struggles and find the support necessary to endure and overcome them.

Father, We come together as Your children, thankful for the community You have given us. Help us to recognize the strength You provide through our fellowship with one another. Teach us to appreciate each unique member of Your body, to bear one another's burdens, and to encourage each other as we walk the path of faith. May our unity be a testimony to Your love and grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.



Brian Willems CADC1
Ministry Leader
Celebrate Recovery
New Life Community Dinuba

As soon as we take this step and admit that we are powerless, we start to change. We see that our old ways of trying to control our hurts, hang-ups, and habits didn’t work. They were buried by our denial and held on to with our false power.