Investing in Each Other: Encouragement and Growth in Community

Ever feel like you're going through life alone? Like everyone else has it together, but you're just barely holding on? Paul felt that way too. After a rough time in Athens, he arrived in Corinth feeling isolated and discouraged. And that's when God introduced him to Aquila and Priscilla—people he could simply do life with.

We Need Each Other for Encouragement

Aquila and Priscilla had just been kicked out of Rome because of their faith. They knew what it was like to be discouraged, to start over, to feel alone. And in God's perfect timing, their paths crossed with Paul's.

They shared the same trade—tentmaking—so Paul worked alongside them. They encouraged each other with Scripture, prayed together, shared meals. They did life together.

Acts 18:9-10 says God told Paul, "Do not be afraid... for I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." God was saying, "I've purposefully put people in your life to walk with you. You're not alone."

The Takeaway

God has brought you into community on purpose. If you're struggling, reach out. If you know someone is struggling, be an Aquila or Priscilla to them. Walk with them. Do life together.

We Need Each Other for Growth

Later, Aquila and Priscilla met Apollos—a gifted preacher who was eloquent and passionate. But he only knew John's baptism; he hadn't yet grasped the fullness of Christ's work. So Priscilla and Aquila "invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately" (Acts 18:26).

Notice how they did it: privately, with care and compassion. They didn't embarrass him publicly. They pulled him aside and lovingly corrected him. And because of their investment, Apollos became even more effective in his ministry.

The Challenge

God has placed us together for correction and growth, not just encouragement. Are you open to being corrected? Are you willing to lovingly speak truth to someone who needs it?

Collective Engagement Multiplies Impact

1 Corinthians 3:6: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow." Each of us has a role to play. When we all do our part, the impact is multiplied.

The rhythm is simple:

1. Receive the encouragement God places around you—and offer that same encouragement to others
2. Receive the correction God gives through others—we must risk offending each other with the truth
3. Understand that collective engagement multiplies our efforts—when everyone does their part, impact is multiplied

This Week, Try This

1. Reach out to someone. Who in your life is going through a hard time? Send them a text, invite them to coffee, show up for them. Be an Aquila or Priscilla.
2. Ask for feedback. Who in your life can speak truth to you? Ask them, "Is there anything you see in my life that I need to address?" Be open to what they say.
3. Use your gifts. What has God given you that you can use to serve others? Maybe it's hospitality, teaching, encouragement, or practical help. Step into it this week.

We're Better Together

At Indy Metro, we genuinely believe we're better together. We need each other—for encouragement, for growth, for accountability, for celebration. We're not perfect, but we're committed to investing in one another because that's how the Kingdom grows.

Come be part of it. If you're tired of doing life alone, if you're longing for real community, we'd love to have you join us this Sunday. Come as you are. Let's invest in each other and watch what God does.