The Whole Churchตัวอย่าง

CONNECTING WITH OTHERS

Throughout the world, friendships and connections grow out of shared interests. But when we’re in community with other Christians, whether at church or outside of it, we have something more magnificent in common than any shared passion or hobby. Scripture tells us the church is the body and bride of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-27), and we’re created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). But to understand what it means to be in grace-filled, life-giving community with other believers, we should look to the Trinity.

God has presented a perfect model of fellowship in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, existing eternally as three distinct persons who relate to each other in love. And we’re made in their likeness—sons and daughters built for relationship who reflect this divine community.

Think about the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Is there something that keeps us from echoing this in our relationship with God and cultivating the connections we have with fellow believers? What does it look like to reflect and project the love that radiates from the Trinity?

For authentic Christian community to flourish, we have to shift the focus away from ourselves and toward loving each other the way Jesus loves us. Imagine what the world would be like if Christians used their lives to truly serve one another … and if through this service we could express who God is—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—to those who don’t know Him. This isn’t just a nice thought. It’s the calling on the life of every believer. But it’s easier said than done.

If we’re being honest, many of us struggle with accepting or offering our love in our relationships with other people. Even before Jesus revealed the truth of Himself to humankind, we see that there was a need to be reminded constantly of God’s unchanging love. In Psalm 136, for example, the psalmist reminds us 26 times that “His love endures forever” (NIV).

We can take comfort in knowing we don’t have to figure out how to love like this on our own. God calls us into relationship with Him so we can understand His love and share it with fellow believers. Whether we’re within the four walls of a church or on the streets of the neighborhoods around it, we have many opportunities to connect with one another in meaningful and even life-changing ways.

Today, we explored how our relationship with God informs the depth of our connection with other believers. As we shift our focus from relationships within our own communities to welcoming those who’re new or not a part of our congregations, continue to ask God to show you more about what it means to be in Christian community. He’s present in all of our interactions with one another—something we’ll take a closer look at in tomorrow’s devotion.

Digging Deeper

• Christ gave us the commandment to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” He also said to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37, 39). How do you think your relationship with the Lord is expressed in the relationships you have with your “neighbors”—within and outside of church? Can you think of any examples?
• What does it look like to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds”?
• What does true fellowship look like? How does your life reflect this kind of community—in other words, this eternal, spiritual family?

Prayer

Father, thank You for all You’ve given me in Your Son Jesus Christ. You’ve modeled what true Christian community looks like … help me to cultivate that in my own life. Guide me as I pursue deeper connections with fellow believers. Show me where I can confide in and draw closer to others, and show me, too, how to share Your love with those who’re opening their lives and hearts to me. I humbly ask for Your guidance in relationships where You would have me seek reconciliation and forgiveness. Help me orient my life around loving others as You’ve commanded. Amen.