What does it mean that the Church is made of 'living stones'?

In 1 Peter 2:5, believers are described as 'living stones' being built into a spiritual house. This metaphor highlights that the Church is not merely a physical structure but a community of believers who are alive in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Each member plays a unique role, just as stones in a building are diverse but interconnected. This collective identity signifies that the Church thrives not only on individual faith but also on fellowship and mutual support. The concept of 'living stones' reinforces the unity and the active participation of each believer in the Church’s mission and its foundation in Christ, affirming that together, they contribute to the structure and function of God's dwelling place.