1 John 4:7 – Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God
Being a healthy church body means growing in love. Love for God – making much of Jesus and our Father in Heaven – and love for other people. As well as showing Christ-like love for those in our community, we’re also committed to being a family where every single member is valued, feels they belong, and finds support through the ups and downs of life.
Think about Jesus. He took time to get to know people, hear their stories and understand their lives. He had immense pressures on his time, yet always stopped for the individual – the woman in Matthew 9 who touches Jesus’ cloak in her desperation for healing; the social outcasts and misfits who called out to him for help.
We’re so encouraged by all the stories we hear of people caring for one another within the church. Faithful friendships, offers of food and company in tough seasons, prayers, patience, and finding joy in God together. It’s a blessing to receive that kind of care, and a blessing to give it as we reflect the love of God. As the church grows, it’s up to all of us to see that nobody gets missed out – welcoming new and old alike on a Sunday, seeing and supporting each other through the week.
What does it look like for Kingsgate Community Church to keep growing as a loving community? It might start with you asking God to bring just one or two people to mind who you can reach out to. Perhaps it’s offering to meet up for a coffee, asking if they would like prayer, or sharing some encouragement. Small steps, but it all adds up to a church that truly means it when we say, “we’re really glad you’re here.”
By Dan Jones