The Church: The Body of Christनमुना

What tells you that a church is on the right track? It isn’t a packed-out auditorium, a good worship band, or a fiery sermon. Those things are all great, but the Bible tells us they aren’t the signs that a church is doing well. The most important quality of a healthy church is love.

God isn’t concerned with outer appearances. What matters most to him is our love for Jesus and our love for one another. Our mercy, kindness, patience, and gentleness (the definitions of love) set us apart from the rest of the world and hold us together as a community.

Read: Colossians 3:12-15

Reflection Questions:

• Many of us grew up with the idea that God is disappointed in us or is an angry, demanding God. But the defining characteristic of God and his people isn’t anger or judgment: It’s love. Do you believe that? Ask God to help you grasp his perfect love for you and help you reflect that love to the world.
• Why is putting love in action so important for the church? What happens when words aren’t backed up by action?
• What areas do you want to work on and develop in your own life to make your church more Christlike? Do you need to be more loving? Forgiving? Patient? Gentle? Kind? Ask God to reveal these areas to you and share them with a friend or mentor. Ask them to pray for you and to check in on you as you grow in these areas.