Can you be depended on?

The world teaches us to be independent. To rely on ourselves. To stand strong on our own two feet. But what if independence is a lie? What if the very thing we’re taught to pursue is actually the thing that’s tearing us apart?

This week in our Thrive Together series, we explored Ephesians 1:15-23. Paul’s words to the church in Ephesus offer us a powerful reminder that we need each other.

Be Thankful for One Another (Ephesians 1:15-16)

Paul begins by expressing his thankfulness for the believers in Ephesus. He’s heard of their faith in Jesus and their love for each other, and he’s celebrating it—even from a Roman prison.

Think about that. Paul’s not bitter. He’s not complaining about his circumstances. He’s not comparing the Ephesian church to others. Instead, he’s grateful. Genuinely grateful. And that gratitude speaks volumes.

True thankfulness is selfless. It celebrates others and their successes, even when you’re hurting or feeling left out. Paul models a gratitude that isn’t about himself. It’s about celebrating how others are loving each other and living out their faith.

When was the last time you genuinely celebrated what God was doing in someone else’s life?

Pray for One Another (Ephesians 1:17-19)

Paul doesn’t stop at gratitude—he moves to prayer. And it’s not vague, “bless them” prayers. Paul’s prayers are specific, intentional, and focused on their growth and strength in Christ. He prays for their wisdom. For their knowledge of God. For their understanding of their hope and calling. And for their awareness of God’s power.

What if we prayed like that for each other?

Prayer is meant to be one of the most selfless things we do. And it’s meant to be done in community. When we tell someone, “I’m praying for you,” it shouldn’t be a platitude. It should be a commitment. What if we stopped talking about prayer and started actually praying for one another—specifically, intentionally, and consistently?

Paul gives us a roadmap for how to pray for each other:

• Pray for wisdom.

• Pray for deeper understanding of God.

• Pray for boldness in their calling.

• Pray for heavenly focus.

• Pray for confidence in God’s power.

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Who is God putting on your heart to pray for today? And are you willing to actually do it?

Encourage One Another (Ephesians 1:20-23)

Paul finishes this section by reminding the Ephesians who they are in Christ.

He points them back to the power of God—power that raised Jesus from the dead and placed Him over all authority, power, and dominion. And he makes it clear that this power isn’t distant or disconnected. It’s alive and active within them.

Sometimes, the most powerful encouragement we can offer is to remind each other of who God is and who we are in Him. “You’ve got this” is an empty way to encourage. But “God’s got this, and He’s holding you” is powerful.

When the world beats us down, when we feel overwhelmed or inadequate, we need each other. We need to be reminded of the power and authority of Jesus. We need to be encouraged in the truth of who we are as God’s children.

Your Invitation

Can your church family depend on you?

Paul’s example is clear. We’re called to be thankful for one another—celebrating what God is doing even when life is hard. We’re called to pray for one another—specifically, consistently, and selflessly. And we’re called to encourage one another—reminding each other of who God is and who we are in Him.

Maybe you’ve been on the sidelines, holding back from truly investing in your church family. Maybe you’ve been hurt before and you’re afraid to let people in. But isolation is not what God intended.

Today’s challenge is simple: Commit to your church family. Be someone they can depend on. Be someone who prays, who encourages, who celebrates.

Take a moment to reflect:

• Are you truly thankful for the people God has placed in your life?

• Are you praying for your church family? Really praying for them?

• Are you offering real encouragement grounded in who God is?

  
  

Want to go deeper? Watch the full sermon here:

We Need Each Other | Mt. Olive Church

You’re not meant to do this alone. We need each other.