Ephesians 6:21-24 Encouragement

6:21-22 People matter. It’s easy for us to overlook, so let’s thank the Lord for these verses which show us how relationships are crucial for God’s people. Our relationship with Jesus is what brings us hope – and on that basis, our relationships with one another matter as reflections of our King, too. Notice how Paul cares for the Ephesians on a personal level, and they for him. 6:23-24 Grace matters. The very kinds of things that Paul prayed for at the beginning of the letter are what he continues to hope for and point them to here at the end. Because of Christ’s work, Paul can confidently offer a blessing to God’s people in the pattern of the very things that our Savior has won for us. These are what we should embrace, treasure, and point one another toward. The Point: Encouragement is crucial for the church to be what we are called to be. We need to prioritize relationships as part of what it means for us to follow Jesus together. Prayer: Our King, because you cared to relate to us, our relationships with others take on new importance. Help us to love as we have first been loved, use us to encourage so that we would each be built up in Jesus and serve Him together. Application: Ask the Lord to help you see healthy Christian relationships as not just a “nice to have” in the church, but as foundational to what it means to gather together and grow together as God’s people. How will you be a part of that? Here is how I will apply these truths: ___________________ __________________________________________________