Written by Amanda Idleman, a contemporary writer.
If we all step back and make the choice to draw bigger lines for who our family can be and is, the whole world becomes a better place. God calls us his children. That means, as believers, we all are brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s easy to say that in passing, but so much harder to live it out in the day-to-day. Family is messy. It’s a lifelong commitment. You also don’t get to choose your family. I think these facts are also true when it comes to being the body of Christ. The church is a messy place; we have to stay committed to each other, and we don’t get to choose who joins the club. We love people just as they are…Embracing friends, co-workers, neighbors, and more as a part of your tribe is a way to share the love of God in a way that changes this world for the better. We are made to be together, but our world has become increasingly isolated and lonely. When we make a choice that a friend, a neighbor, a vulnerable family, or a coworker is worth loving in the same way Jesus loves us, we start to create bonds that build us up and keep us from getting dragged into the dark… Each person plays a vital role in working together with others who know Jesus around them. When we embrace our God-given purpose, we get to be Jesus to others here on earth. What an astounding thought that when I see my fellow worshipers raising their hands beside me at church, I am seeing part of Jesus at work in the world! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can bring light into the darkness. We can stop the powers of death on chaos by confidently being ourselves and choosing to love the people around us beyond what is considered reasonable.
Prayer:
Written by Lysa Terkeurst, a contemporary American author.
Oh Lord, give me a mind and a heart like the Father’s heart. Let me be able to know what God thinks and feels towards His people so that I may be able to represent Him correctly. Give me a heart that wants to serve others. Let me be sensitive to the needs of those around me, that I may offer help where I can. Use me for your glory, Lord. Use me to build up your Church. Let the world see You in me, my God. Your word tells me that I am a member of the body of Christ. Amen.
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