The Church

“He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:17-22 CSB

One of the most beautiful things about being a Christian is belonging to the Christian family—becoming citizens of heaven. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, our relationship with God is redeemed, and our relationships with one another are mended. 

For a long time, I struggled to feel a deep connection to the worldwide community of believers. I’ve always been grateful for the ways my family and close friends led me to Jesus, but I knew God’s design was for more—to be committed to the body of believers, within my family and outside of my family. God has put a deep love and deep call on my heart to my local church as He opened my eyes to what the Bible says about the Church, and He wants to do the same in your life. 

Throughout Scripture, we learn of God’s heart and design for unity among believers. In John chapter 17, Jesus is praying to the Father moments before He is betrayed. One of Jesus’ prayers for all believers, across the world and across time, is for unity with one another and with God. “May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me” (John 17:21). Unity amongst believers is important enough to Jesus for him to spend some of his final moments on earth interceding for us in this way. 

“Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:1-6 CSB

Reading God’s Word, I am fully convinced that we don’t get to choose whether we want to love God’s church or not. Loving God’s church is an essential part of our lives as disciples of Jesus. This doesn’t mean we are perfect—we never will be. This doesn’t mean that God’s church, full of messy humans, hasn’t hurt us or made our hearts sore. However, we are called to step in deeper, to live sacrificially for our brothers and sisters, to find a church home that is truly submitting to Jesus as the ultimate authority (Ephesians 2:20). 

One faith, one Spirit, one Lord, one body. In Christ Jesus, we are citizens of heaven, held together by our King. We are each important parts of the body, called to use our gifts to build up the church rather than ourselves. 1 Corinthians 14:12 says, “So also you—since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in building up the church.”

I encourage you, friend, wherever you are at in your faith journey, to seek out church community that is submitted to the authority of Christ Jesus, loving and serving the way we were designed and called to. It is a joy, a privilege, and a command to be united with other believers. We are truly stronger and brighter together. <3 

Some ways to more deeply love God’s church— 

• Foster biblical community by joining or starting a Bible study/small group 

• Show up for people in need 

• Be a participant in your local church through serving, attending regularly, and building loving relationships 

• When you are upset or confused about things happening in the church, respond in a way that can strengthen and build up God’s church, rather than speak ill and tear down the church 

• Love and forgive others even when they make you upset 

• Use your gifts and your talents to bless and serve the people around you 

• Share the gospel and your testimony often!! 

• Celebrate what God is doing in the lives of others around you 

• Encourage Christians in their faith, whether they are in your church community or not! 

• Become a stronger disciple of Jesus who can disciple and encourage others 

• Give money and time to your local church community

• Pray for your community, and for Christian communities across the world

• Be the Church within the church walls, and everywhere outside of them! 

What are some other ways God may be inviting you to more deeply love His church?