By no means are we perfect! As fallen human beings we will sometimes say and do things that may wound the heart of another, but because of the grace of the Lord Jesus we can enter into greater love for one another and a deeper sense of unity—such is the tie that binds our hearts in love!
Janice and I have experienced that bond in recent days as we have shared the concerns / challenges that several of our friends are experiencing; as we have prayed with them and for them. To embrace one who is fearful, to put an arm around them or take their hand and bring their concern to our Lord is both a privilege and a blessing. To sit around a table in a small group and intercede for others further strengthens this bond of love we share in Christ.
Simple acts of kindness, a word of encouragement, a smile or warm greeting and a sincere prayer that God would reveal Himself and bring His power to bear on the hard circumstances being faced by another, draws us deeper into this bond of love we share. And, the truth is, we need each other, we really do!
This is a season when we have been given the opportunity to walk with one another and to bear one another’s burdens and to pray for one another—we have this season to be the church to one another! In the words of Paul, may this be a season when your love may abound more and more (Philippians 1:9).