In this book, David deSilva guides us through the images of the church that remind us that we are a family, a temple made of living stones, a single organism called "the body of Christ." Each image reinforces our connections with and our obligations to one another, if the new person that the Spirit seeks to bring to life within each one of us is to flourish and reach maturity. He explores the apostolic vision for our interaction with one another, challenging us to be—and to receive—the gifts that Christ intends for us to be for one another—welcoming, loving, serving, encouraging, watching over, and restoring one another—so that each individual disciple feels the strength, support, and guardianship of the whole body impelling him or her on to the full stature of Christ.