Read: 2 Timothy 1:1-14
“Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy”(v. 4)
In the introduction to this letter, Paul describes the joy of meeting someone after a long time. Any of us with family or friends far away know this feeling as well as the feeling of “longing to see” people who are far away.
It may be that we sometimes take meeting with those friends and family who are close to us for granted, or that we take the chance to gather as the body of Christ as a given. How miraculous is it that we can gather! Especially with so many in our world who are isolated socially, spiritually, or emotionally, our own gatherings are blessings beyond measure.
Christ teaches “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them,” and John Wesley argued that there is “no holiness but social holiness” meaning that gathering together is an essential event for disciples of Christ. Together in study, prayer, and worship is where we grow in love of God and neighbor. Even as this life can sometimes challenge us, we have the blessed opportunity to share in one another’s joys and troubles and to know that God shares them with us.
And so, without being too obvious about it, I hope you will seek out a family of faith, here or wherever you feel called. Let us never forget the blessing that it is to live together as the body of Christ on earth.
Sunday School: 10:00 Worship: 11:00
Scriptures: Lamentations 1:1-6 Luke 17:5-10
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