Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Romans 14:19 (NIV)

How much do you contribute to someone's spiritual growth and faith journey?

All of us, according to the Apostle Paul, are to mutually edify one another. Instead of assuming that it is the pastor's responsibility, we must constantly work together to deepen one another's faith and stir one another to love and good actions in order to develop a vibrant and healthy church community.

When Paul wrote to the Romans, the church was in the midst of a schism between Jewish believers and Gentile Christians. The situation was tense, but Paul encouraged both parties to take steps to reconcile with one another so that no one's faith would be shaken.

If we stay in a church community long enough, we will encounter people that irritate us or have a negative impact on our faith. Most of the time, they are oblivious that their acts and attitude are offensive. This creates a barrier between them and us. Instead of avoiding them, we must learn to be kind to those who are difficult or who have personally hurt us.

Putting others down does not make us better or more valuable. Rather, it will work against us, with devastating consequences for ourselves and our church community. Rather, look for ways to edify others and inspire them to be more than who they are right now.

While some will never recognise or validate your intentions, don't give up on doing good because God promises to reward our efforts. (Hebrews 6:10) Rather of judging and criticising others, ask God to reveal to you who He wants you to encourage and edify. Then make a point of getting to it as quickly as possible. When we plant seeds of peace in the lives of others, we reap the benefits of peace in our own lives.