I’ve had many wonderful times with other Christians both within a church setting and outside the walls. The memories that stick with me most however are not the meals, parties, or other social gatherings but rather the time spent working together to accomplish a task.

I joined a rather large church fresh out of college but didn’t really have a place to fit comfortably within. Then I agreed to serve on the social committee and everything changed in a hurry! The hours I spent with this group of people of various ages and backgrounds developed a bond of friendship that would last for years to come. It wasn’t sitting around sharing apple pie that did it either. It was the hours spent together setting up tables, serving food, sweeping and mopping floors and washing dishes that did. The friendships opened doors into other areas and opportunities that I then felt comfortable entering.

It’s amazing what hard labor does for a group of even total strangers. Following the 9-11 terrorist attack I traveled with a friend in a van full of  total strangers to NYC. On the way up, we were cordial, polite, and very proper as we each stayed in our little space on the van. We quickly realized that none of us had anything in common except Christ. Christ it turns out, was the only bond we needed. After a week of working in a tiny kitchen serving rescue workers, helping victim’s families shop in a free Christmas store, and riding the Staten Island ferry sharing Christ’s love, we became very comfortable with one another. By the time we made the exhausting trip back home we were slap-happy silly and sprawled all over the van laughing and poking good natured fun at one another.

When community among a group of believers develops, it is usually the result of laboring together. This innate need for community that God gave us then fulfills the basic needs of a human soul.

Let’s go back to those church folks I began with. Twelve years later I spent two weeks  in CCU with my mother and sister watching my daddy slowly slip away. That group of folks from church were now also my family. We watched in astonishment as the CCU waiting area became a revolving door of church members who took time from their busy schedules to visit us, pray with us, and bring us food. That is what a loving family does. It takes care of its own.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:10Galatians 6:10
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
10 We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord.

WP-Bible plugin

I love my huge, wonderful family!