December 29th, 2025
by Steven Shaw
by Steven Shaw
Galatians 6:1–2 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Hebrews 10:24–25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Acts 2:42–47 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Devotional: We Heal Better Together
From the very beginning, God declared, “It is not good that man should be alone.” (Genesis 2:18). That truth extends beyond marriage — it reflects a spiritual design. God never intended for anyone to walk the road of recovery, faith, or sanctification alone. We were created for community — to grow together, carry one another’s burdens, and reflect Christ as His body. The Church is not a building or a Sunday ritual. It is the living body of Christ, composed of redeemed sinners learning to live in grace together. When we isolate ourselves, we become vulnerable to deception, discouragement, and relapse. The enemy thrives in isolation. But when we gather with other believers, worship, study, pray, and share openly, the light of Christ exposes lies and brings healing. The early Church in Acts 2 gives us the model: they devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Notice the emphasis on devotion — it wasn’t casual or optional. They didn’t gather when convenient; they gathered because life without fellowship would have been spiritual death. And as they lived in that rhythm of worship and togetherness, God added to their number daily. Community isn’t just good for your soul — it’s the environment where transformation becomes sustainable. The same Spirit that saves you individually shapes you communally. Your recovery deepens when you’re part of the Church because that’s where truth is taught, wounds are tended, and accountability is lived out in love.
Accountability: Love That Refuses to Look Away
Galatians 6:1–2 teaches us that accountability in the Church is never about control or criticism — it’s about restoration. “If anyone is caught in any transgression,” Paul writes, “you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.”
That’s what the Church is meant to be: a spiritual hospital, not a courtroom. Accountability done right doesn’t condemn; it heals. It says, “I love you too much to let you destroy yourself.” It’s grace with truth — the kind of love that helps a brother or sister stand back up when they fall. But accountability is a two-way street. It requires humility. We can’t be restored if we hide. True growth happens when we stop pretending we have it all together and let others see where we’re weak. That kind of vulnerability takes courage — but it’s where freedom lives. James 5:16 reminds us that confession and prayer in community lead to healing. When you share honestly and someone prays over you, you are not just heard — you are spiritually supported. The prayer of a righteous person, Scripture says, has great power as it works. Accountability is how God extends His grace through His people.
The Church: God’s Design for Growth
Many believers today view church attendance as optional — something to do when life isn’t too busy. But Hebrews 10:24–25 tells us otherwise. Gathering isn’t just tradition; it’s obedience. The writer urges us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” That phrase “stir up” literally means to provoke — to ignite a holy motivation in each other.
When we gather:
The Church is not a crowd of spectators but a community of participants. We were meant to belong, not just attend. The power of gathering is that it transforms isolation into family. It’s where people see your real life, pray for you by name, and stand beside you when storms come.
The Church in Recovery: A Place of Grace and Truth
In recovery, the Church should be the safest place on earth. Jesus described it as a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. Every person in the pew has a story of struggle. Every believer is in process. When the Church functions as it should, it becomes a space of grace-filled accountability — a place where truth and love meet. Grace without truth is enablement. Truth without grace is cruelty. But grace and truth together produce transformation. We need people who will pray for us when we stumble, call us when we disappear, and remind us that the Gospel still applies to us when we feel unworthy of it. That’s what it means to bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.
Application
Ask yourself honestly: Am I truly connected to a local body of believers?
Watching online sermons or listening to worship music at home can feed your soul, but it cannot replace fellowship. The Church isn’t optional for recovery; it’s essential. You don’t “go” to church, you gather as the church. Healing happens in community — through worship, discipleship, prayer, and service. If you’re not plugged into a local church yet, start looking. Visit a few. Pray for discernment. Don’t search for perfection; look for presence — a place where Christ is central and the Word is preached. Then commit. Attend regularly. Serve somewhere. Let others in. The same Spirit who dwells in you dwells in them. Together, you’ll experience the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your Church — not the walls, but the people. Thank You for calling me into a family where grace abounds and truth restores. Help me to value gathering with Your body and to see it as vital to my healing. Protect me from isolation, pride, or fear that keeps me apart from others. Surround me with believers who speak truth in love, pray with power, and walk beside me with humility. Make me the kind of person who lifts others up, not one who hides from community. Unite Your Church, Lord, and let us reflect Your Son to a broken world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection
Daily Action Step
Reach out to a local church or ministry group and commit to attending their next gathering. Ask someone there to pray with you or connect over coffee this week. Begin building genuine, Christ-centered accountability. If you’re already part of a church, look for someone new who may need encouragement — be what you need for others.
More Scripture for Further Growth
The Church is not a backup plan — it is God’s plan. Through community and accountability, we become the living testimony of His grace. Recovery begins with surrender, but it is sustained through fellowship.
Pray over these Scriptures. Read their full context. Don’t just read them — let them speak to you. Take time to read the full chapters they belong to, and allow the Holy Spirit to bring deeper understanding. These additional verses are here for those who feel a growing hunger for more each day. As your journey continues, let God’s Word become your daily source of renewal, conviction, and strength.
Hebrews 10:24–25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Acts 2:42–47 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Devotional: We Heal Better Together
From the very beginning, God declared, “It is not good that man should be alone.” (Genesis 2:18). That truth extends beyond marriage — it reflects a spiritual design. God never intended for anyone to walk the road of recovery, faith, or sanctification alone. We were created for community — to grow together, carry one another’s burdens, and reflect Christ as His body. The Church is not a building or a Sunday ritual. It is the living body of Christ, composed of redeemed sinners learning to live in grace together. When we isolate ourselves, we become vulnerable to deception, discouragement, and relapse. The enemy thrives in isolation. But when we gather with other believers, worship, study, pray, and share openly, the light of Christ exposes lies and brings healing. The early Church in Acts 2 gives us the model: they devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Notice the emphasis on devotion — it wasn’t casual or optional. They didn’t gather when convenient; they gathered because life without fellowship would have been spiritual death. And as they lived in that rhythm of worship and togetherness, God added to their number daily. Community isn’t just good for your soul — it’s the environment where transformation becomes sustainable. The same Spirit that saves you individually shapes you communally. Your recovery deepens when you’re part of the Church because that’s where truth is taught, wounds are tended, and accountability is lived out in love.
Accountability: Love That Refuses to Look Away
Galatians 6:1–2 teaches us that accountability in the Church is never about control or criticism — it’s about restoration. “If anyone is caught in any transgression,” Paul writes, “you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.”
That’s what the Church is meant to be: a spiritual hospital, not a courtroom. Accountability done right doesn’t condemn; it heals. It says, “I love you too much to let you destroy yourself.” It’s grace with truth — the kind of love that helps a brother or sister stand back up when they fall. But accountability is a two-way street. It requires humility. We can’t be restored if we hide. True growth happens when we stop pretending we have it all together and let others see where we’re weak. That kind of vulnerability takes courage — but it’s where freedom lives. James 5:16 reminds us that confession and prayer in community lead to healing. When you share honestly and someone prays over you, you are not just heard — you are spiritually supported. The prayer of a righteous person, Scripture says, has great power as it works. Accountability is how God extends His grace through His people.
The Church: God’s Design for Growth
Many believers today view church attendance as optional — something to do when life isn’t too busy. But Hebrews 10:24–25 tells us otherwise. Gathering isn’t just tradition; it’s obedience. The writer urges us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” That phrase “stir up” literally means to provoke — to ignite a holy motivation in each other.
When we gather:
- We remind one another of God’s promises when faith feels weak.
- We worship together, strengthening our hope.
- We hear God’s Word preached, correcting our course.
- We find people who help carry our burdens when they’re too heavy to lift alone.
The Church is not a crowd of spectators but a community of participants. We were meant to belong, not just attend. The power of gathering is that it transforms isolation into family. It’s where people see your real life, pray for you by name, and stand beside you when storms come.
The Church in Recovery: A Place of Grace and Truth
In recovery, the Church should be the safest place on earth. Jesus described it as a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. Every person in the pew has a story of struggle. Every believer is in process. When the Church functions as it should, it becomes a space of grace-filled accountability — a place where truth and love meet. Grace without truth is enablement. Truth without grace is cruelty. But grace and truth together produce transformation. We need people who will pray for us when we stumble, call us when we disappear, and remind us that the Gospel still applies to us when we feel unworthy of it. That’s what it means to bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.
Application
Ask yourself honestly: Am I truly connected to a local body of believers?
Watching online sermons or listening to worship music at home can feed your soul, but it cannot replace fellowship. The Church isn’t optional for recovery; it’s essential. You don’t “go” to church, you gather as the church. Healing happens in community — through worship, discipleship, prayer, and service. If you’re not plugged into a local church yet, start looking. Visit a few. Pray for discernment. Don’t search for perfection; look for presence — a place where Christ is central and the Word is preached. Then commit. Attend regularly. Serve somewhere. Let others in. The same Spirit who dwells in you dwells in them. Together, you’ll experience the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your Church — not the walls, but the people. Thank You for calling me into a family where grace abounds and truth restores. Help me to value gathering with Your body and to see it as vital to my healing. Protect me from isolation, pride, or fear that keeps me apart from others. Surround me with believers who speak truth in love, pray with power, and walk beside me with humility. Make me the kind of person who lifts others up, not one who hides from community. Unite Your Church, Lord, and let us reflect Your Son to a broken world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection
- How have I experienced God’s presence through the Church community?
- What might change if I made gathering with believers a consistent priority?
- Do I have Christian mentors or friends who help me stay accountable?
- How can I be that same encouragement for someone else in need?
Daily Action Step
Reach out to a local church or ministry group and commit to attending their next gathering. Ask someone there to pray with you or connect over coffee this week. Begin building genuine, Christ-centered accountability. If you’re already part of a church, look for someone new who may need encouragement — be what you need for others.
More Scripture for Further Growth
- 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 — The Church as one body with many members.
- Romans 12:4–10 — Love and service in the body of Christ.
- Ephesians 4:11–16 — Growing together into maturity.
- John 13:34–35 — “By this all people will know you are My disciples.”
- Colossians 3:14–17 — Let peace rule in your hearts and dwell richly in community.
- Psalm 133:1 — “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.”
- Matthew 18:20 — “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.”
The Church is not a backup plan — it is God’s plan. Through community and accountability, we become the living testimony of His grace. Recovery begins with surrender, but it is sustained through fellowship.
Pray over these Scriptures. Read their full context. Don’t just read them — let them speak to you. Take time to read the full chapters they belong to, and allow the Holy Spirit to bring deeper understanding. These additional verses are here for those who feel a growing hunger for more each day. As your journey continues, let God’s Word become your daily source of renewal, conviction, and strength.
No Comments