Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! Psalm 118:1a
As is true so often, God’s goodness in His care for us is seen in the care we receive through His people. As the church, we are His body, Scripture says in places like Romans 12:5. We are the hands and feet through which He ministers to our needs and the mouth by which He encourages and instructs us. That’s one reason being an active part of Christ’s church is so very important. When we gather in His name, Christ is truly present amount us (Mat 18:20). That’s not just a figure of speech. It’s a reality you can count on. But why is He present? To receive our worship, to be sure – something He is infinitely worthy of. But even more, He is present to meet with us by His Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16), to assure us of His love (John 14:18-20), to encourage and instruct us (John 16:13), and to draw us together as one body in Him (John 17:20-23).
It is in light of the fact that we truly are His Body that He ministers to us through one another. He gives to each of us through one another’s gifts. He is near to us through our presence together. He shows us His love through one another’s hearts, encouragement through one another’s mouths and help through each other’s hands. In a thousand different ways we get to experience the kindness of Christ regularly through the faithfulness of our Church Family.
Amy and I have experienced that kindness through all of you in a number of ways recently, as I expressed in last week’s sermon. We are blown away by the help we have received as we look for a home (for which I am utterly and embarrassingly humbled). And this weekend we are away enjoying a little time by ourselves through the kind gift we received at the 35th Anniversary Party! We look forward to being back with you all again next Sunday.
May the Lord deepen our love and care for one another daily!
Pastor Scott