The church is truly an incredible gift from God. There may be times when we don’t see this because of our own actions or the actions of others, yet when we are attempting to live in such a way as to honor God and glorify His name amazing things happen. In my own life there have been times when I have been overwhelmed with the sense of love and kindness by the outpouring of love from my church, even though I knew that they were behaving exactly as the church should it still caught me off-guard and amazed me. There have also been times when I have seen the effects of love from the church when it is being poured out on others. God’s Word gives us a blueprint on how to live as the body of Christ. Ephesians 4 is a good place to start.
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16
This is an amazing passage. Notice that when the body is controlled and led by the love of God, then when each piece (you and I) is working properly, the body (that is the church), builds itself up in love! We will grow and as we grow the church will build itself up through the power of God’s love. That is a beautiful and wonderful picture and worth every effort that you and I can give!
Singing His Praises!
Mark