Listen

After this I looked, and there was a great crowd that no one could number. They were from every nation, tribe, people, and language. They were standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They wore white robes and held palm branches in their hands. They cried out with a loud voice:

Revelation 7:9-10

Think

There is a common misconception among Christians that you “go to church” solely to hear the message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What if, in fact, the community is the message? Know this: the body of believers reveals that we are not alone, that we are surrounded by God’s tangible, life-touching love. The good news becomes flesh once again through the love of our fellow believers.

Do not think that the church, the gathering of believers, is inconsequential or tangential to God’s saving love. Instead, recognize that it is the vessel God designed to carry that love into the world.

Do you have a church family? If not, find one. Faith never has been and never will be a solitary thing. And once you have a community of believers around you, accept the fact that you won’t agree with everyone or everything. Maybe that is by design. And maybe it just doesn’t matter. What matters is that you see that you are part of that great multitude, immersed in love, care, and praise.

Wade Griffith

Question to Ponder:

Why is church family important to you?

Pray

God, may your love become flesh once again in the hugs, embraces, and care I receive from the community of believers. Help me to recognize the importance of community in my faith journey. May I give my time and service to making my faith community a place of inclusion, caring, and love. Amen.

Go

Open your eyes to the caring presence of God and all the ways God’s love is active in our lives. Receive it and allow God to use you to manifest that love in the lives of others.