Make Yourself at Home
Wednesday, May 16,
2018
…love one another
even as I loved you… John 13:34-35
What is
the heart of the church? What are the greatest that is we do not share and show love for one
another. This love is the heart of the
church as people are the witnesses to the reality of Christ’s love
Jesus
came to unveil God’s love in a way the world had never seen before. The
theological foundation of the church is the good news of God’s love for
humanity as shown through Jesus. The unselfish love of one believer for another
shapes the emotional heart of the church. And we need both.
Why
Community is Important—the desire for community is a nearly universal human
longing. Whether they admit it or not, every person has a need to connect with
God and with others. Some people refuse that connection with God, others thrive
on it! But as human beings in order to survive realities of life we need to
connect with others to live.
In
times of crisis it is known that when neighbours had more intimate knowledge of
each others’ lives they were better able to help. This too is true of those
within a church family but only if trust is established. True Christian community is constant and
universal and unchanging. Through each stage of life and difficult we face the
church offers a place where we can grow and nurture the loving relationships
people crave. And this is true no matter where one travels.
True
Christian community is eternal since it is based upon the eternal person of
Jesus. The Christian community will persist through all ages of history and
into eternity. Hebrews 12:1-2- “We are surrounded by such a great cloud of
witnesses”
True
Christian community is made up of believers who have been adopted into the
family of God. It is a place of love,
belonging and care without discrimination. Everyone is welcome and everyone
receives care. We are family together!
REFLECTION:
When did someone last make you feel welcome in your church?
Not just an offering of a cup of coffee but actually asking questions about you
and your life? How did this make you feel? How did you respond? Did you ask
questions of the other person, too?
PRAYEER
God we thank you that for the church that truly cares about
its people being in relationship with one another. Help us to understand Jesus’
teachings on loving others and caring for their needs. Be with us and show us
how to love. Amen.
Resource: (based
upon) Kay Swatkowski “Make Yourself at Home: Discovering the Heart of the
Church” Discovery House Publishers, Our Daily Bread Ministries, 2016.
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