1 John 3:23 And this is God’s command: to believe in
the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded
us. (NIV)
We have a great Youth group at our church, made up of
Middle and High School students. I’ve watched most of them grow up since they
were very young. Their love for one another both impresses me and deeply
touches my heart. If they are representatives of their own generation, then
both the church and the world will be in very good hands.
When I was their age, I didn’t have such a strong and faithful
group of friends, which is probably why I ended up taking a wayward path.
However, when I was just into my twenties, I did become part of a fellowship of
young Christian adults who helped to steer me back in the right direction.
I think this is what church can do for anyone of any age.
The friendship and fellowship that congregations can offer to everyone are
beautiful gifts from the Spirit of God. I often wish that more people would
take the opportunity to participate in church and discover this wonderful truth
for themselves. If they did, they would find a great source of strength and love;
they would be blessed with a company of caring and compassionate people.
Questions
for personal reflection
When have I experienced the love and friendship of God’s
people? With whom can I share those same blessings?
Prayer: Lord
Jesus, thank You for the gift of true Christian love. Help us to share Your
love and compassion with our families and friends, our neighbors and
colleagues, as well as our own church and congregation. In Your Holy Name, we
pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in
Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.
Today’s image is one of
John’s early drawings called “Sunrise Communion.” If you would like to view a
larger version, please click this link: Communion.
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