One Another

A word of thanks is extended to all who so graciously support the Dial Hope ministry. Hope happens because of you.

I wonder what comes to mind when you hear the word church. For many people, the church is a building, for others, a pastor. For others still, church may have negative connotations, they think of an institution – with a hierarchy.

But, in the Bible, church is always descriptive of people; people who are trying to follow the way of Jesus. Peter describes the church as a spiritual house made up of people who are living stones. Paul talks about the church as a living, breathing body – each person is a part of the whole and Jesus is the head. When Jesus talks about the church, he talks about family.

I have friends who struggle with the idea of the church as an institution. So do I. But, I have come to realize that it is so much more.

In the New Testament, the phrases “one another” or “each other” are used over 50 times! We as a church are commanded to love each other, pray for each other, encourage each other, admonish each other, greet each other, serve each other, teach each other, accept each other, honor each other, bear each other’s burdens, and on and on….

What a gift! This is the kind of community I pray for – for each of you – and for me.

Let us pray: God of Grace, we remember today that there are no perfect churches because there are no perfect people. But even in all our weakness, when we live in tune with you, there is nothing more beautiful, nothing more hopeful, nothing more powerful than your church. Help us connect more deeply to those with whom we are called to share this journey of faith and life – so that we might connect more deeply with you. Together, may we be your spiritual house, your body, your family, through Jesus Christ. Amen.