Daily Devotional for Tuesday, April 22, 2025

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How Does the Body of Christ Grow and Build Itself in Love?

A Daily Devotional on Christian Living Based on Ephesians 4:16

“From him the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” — Ephesians 4:16

Ephesians 4:16 is a masterfully concise summary of the spiritual health, structure, and function of the church, the body of Christ. In a single sentence, the apostle Paul captures the organic unity, functional interdependence, and love-driven maturity that is to characterize the people of God. This verse follows Paul’s extensive exhortation about the purpose of the church’s leadership—to equip the saints for the work of service, to build up the body of Christ, to bring all to the unity of the faith, and to mature manhood in Christ (Ephesians 4:11–13). The immediate context, beginning in verse 14, contrasts the stable, mature believer with the unstable child “tossed here and there by waves” of false doctrine. Ephesians 4:16 presents the ideal: a healthy, unified body growing together in truth and love under the headship of Christ.

The verse begins, “from him”—a clear reference to Jesus Christ. He is the source, the sustainer, and the sovereign over the body. The church is not a human organization created by religious enthusiasm; it is a divine organism, joined directly to Christ as its Head (Colossians 1:18). Every spiritual blessing, every gift, every function originates “from him.” The church does not manufacture growth or unity on its own. It does not rely on business models, emotional hype, or social programs. It relies on the risen Christ, who governs and supplies every part of His body.

Ephesians 4:16 teaches us how the body grows—not through top-down authoritarianism, nor through passive attendance or shallow association, but through mutual, coordinated effort grounded in love. Every part matters. Every member contributes. Growth is not optional—it is the natural result of a body that is spiritually alive and connected to its Head.

This devotional will explore the structure, function, and goal of the body of Christ as laid out in Ephesians 4:16, and apply these truths to the Christian’s daily walk, ministry, and relationships within the local congregation.

“From Him the Whole Body” — Christ as the Source and Head

The church is not independent of Christ; it derives its life, direction, and cohesion directly from Him. Paul’s language emphasizes the centrality of Christ as the one “from whom” the whole body grows. This is consistent with Paul’s teaching elsewhere. In Colossians 2:19, he warns against those who do not “hold fast to the head, from whom the entire body… grows with the growth which is from God.” The church cannot grow spiritually apart from Christ. Programs, rituals, or dynamic personalities may stimulate temporary activity, but they do not produce enduring, spiritual growth. That can only come from the Head.

The term “whole body” (σῶμα ὅλον, sōma holon) underscores the unity and inclusiveness of every true believer. There is no division in Christ’s body between clergy and laity, between the visible and invisible church, or between nationalities, as long as each member is joined to Christ through obedient faith. Whether Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, male or female—all are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). The body is not a metaphor for denominations or religious affiliations; it is the spiritual reality of the redeemed people of God who have been baptized into Christ and thus into His body (1 Corinthians 12:13).

“Being Fitted and Held Together by What Every Joint Supplies” — Unity Through Function

The next phrase describes how the body remains cohesive: “being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies.” This portrays the interlocking of each member in the body, each joint contributing to the overall strength and coordination. The Greek word συναρμολογούμενον (sunarmologoumenon), translated “being fitted together,” refers to precise construction—like a stone mason assembling a building where every piece has its place. This is not random or accidental. It is intentional design by Christ.

The “joints” are the connective points through which nourishment and strength flow. They represent not only relationships but also the spiritual gifts, teachings, and acts of service that every member contributes. The body does not hold together through mere attendance or loose association. It is held together through spiritual investment—by “what every joint supplies.” Each member brings something vital to the health of the whole. Paul makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 12:21: “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’” Every believer matters. There are no spectators in the body of Christ.

When believers neglect their function—whether through apathy, pride, or fear—the body suffers. When members isolate themselves or refuse to engage, the supply of spiritual strength is hindered. But when every joint is active, supplying love, encouragement, truth, correction, and mutual service, the body thrives.

“According to the Proper Working of Each Individual Part” — Personal Responsibility and Contribution

This part of the verse highlights the necessity of each part functioning “properly.” The phrase κατ’ ἐνέργειαν ἐν μέτρῳ ἑνὸς ἑκάστου μέρους (kat’ energeian en metrō henos hekastou merous) emphasizes not just action, but coordinated, measured action in harmony with the body’s needs. The term ἐνέργεια (energeia) refers to active energy or working power. In other words, growth and unity happen when each part is actively engaged according to its God-given capacity and role.

This rebukes both pride and passivity. No one should overinflate their importance, nor should anyone consider themselves unnecessary. Paul writes in Romans 12:4–5, “For just as we have many parts in one body and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another.” This means every Christian has a place, a task, a role—and must fulfill it faithfully.

There is no room in the church for consumer Christianity, where people attend services but never serve. Nor is there room for spiritual burnout due to a few carrying the load of many. Growth only happens “according to the proper working of each individual part.” This means self-examination, diligent effort, spiritual maturity, and mutual accountability.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Every Christian has been designed and equipped for fruitful service. The church cannot grow without this labor. But it must be guided by love, not ambition—humble, not self-promoting.

“Causes the Growth of the Body for the Building Up of Itself in Love” — The Goal: Edification Through Love

All the previous elements—unity in Christ, mutual supply, individual contribution—lead to one divine goal: the growth and edification of the church in love. This growth is not numerical alone, though evangelism is certainly included. It is primarily spiritual maturity: deeper knowledge of Christ, greater faithfulness, increasing holiness, and steadfast perseverance.

The church “builds itself up in love.” Love (ἀγάπη, agapē) is not emotion, but action. It is the choice to seek what is best for another, even at personal cost. It is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14), the motive behind every word and deed (1 Corinthians 13). A church may be doctrinally sound, well-organized, and outwardly active, but without love, it is lifeless and fruitless.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:2, “If I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” Love must animate every ministry, every message, every discipline, every gift. The church is not a machine—it is a family. Love is the lifeblood that energizes its growth.

This growth is not driven by the world’s standards. It is not about popularity, size, or recognition. It is about conformity to Christ. Ephesians 4:13 says the goal is “to attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” Only love can bring us there.

Application: Building Up the Body in Your Local Congregation

Ephesians 4:16 challenges every Christian with urgent questions: Am I connected to the body? Am I supplying what I should be supplying? Am I working properly, contributing to the growth of others in truth and love?

Church is not something we attend—it is something we are. The body of Christ is not a weekly event, but a living, growing organism. Every believer is a member, joined to others, nourished by Christ, called to serve. Whether through teaching, helping, encouraging, giving, or praying, each person has a role. Neglecting that role hinders the body. Embracing it strengthens the body.

Moreover, this verse urges us to love one another. Not superficially, but sacrificially. Not sentimentally, but actively. When the church is held together by love—when each member works properly in his or her role—then the body grows, edifies itself, and reflects the glory of Christ to the world.

Conclusion: Christ Builds His Body Through Us

Ephesians 4:16 is not a theoretical ideal—it is the Spirit’s blueprint for how the church grows. Christ is the Head. We are the body. Each part supplies strength. Each joint passes nourishment. Each member contributes to growth. And all of it is driven by love.

Let us therefore renew our commitment to the local church. Let us not be passive, isolated, or half-hearted. Let us volunteer freely in the day of His power (Psalm 110:3), be clothed in holiness, work in our proper role, and build up the body—not for our own glory, but for the glory of Christ.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).