One of the best events we ever sponsored was a women’s retreat in Oak Hill, West Virginia called, “Gifted Sisters.” Women from all over three counties showed up for a morning of spiritual refreshment and fun. We sang songs, prayed, played games, ate a lot, heard the Word and then we gathered in small groups to talk about it. But we didn’t sit with our sisters from our own churches, our nametags were color-coded so we were mixed up with new people. Evaluations after the event had only two criticisms: one, that it was way too short (music to every preacher’s ears!); and two, “We never knew we had so much in common! We have to do this again!” These precious women discovered that they agreed on so many things, and the numerous beliefs that bound them together were stronger than their differences. Same with the early church! Struggles over opinions and over attendance! Can you believe that? Go figure. In this study we have talked about the hallmarks of a Christian, like faith and baptism. We are also called to be part of a church, a Christian family. Jesus said we would be known by our love: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34,35. We can’t really love others if we don’t hang out with them! Acts 2:42
And these verses from Hebrews teach us that our fellowship together should stir us up, our worship should inspire us and motivate us to love each other more, to do good works, and to encourage each other. Colossians 3:16 says; “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Does church stir you up? Can you just not wait to go love on someone? Does the Word dwell in you more richly after connecting with your church family? Does the music comfort and inspire you? Do you give words of encouragement to others? Do you receive encouragement? Do you offer to pray for others? Encourage their gifts? Do you feel energized to use your own gifts to do good works? Meeting together empowers us, builds our faith, builds our relationships with our sisters and brothers in Christ, and motivates us to serve others in God’s world. We can call and check up on each other, too, and when we meet again share more of God’s Word, more inspiration, more support, more love, and then the world will know who we are, and to Whom we belong.
Prayer: O God, help us to gather regularly with Your people in our home churches and in our communities, setting aside our differences and rejoicing in our shared salvation. Make Your love shine through our fellowship, so that many will see our testimony, and want to know the reason for the hope that is in us. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.