Look! The Church!

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking the SoundCloud link.

Wandering around the St Louis Zoo with my family, these precious people caught my eye. I wondered what their relationship was: friends, sisters, cousins? I wondered how they met and found such delight in one another. They were having a wonderful time walking and wheeling at the same pace, enjoying the wonders God had to offer around them.

What does the rest of the world see as we, the Church, walk together?  We know God means for us to be in unity, working together hands clasped as we enjoy Christ together. It is saddening that this is not always what others observe in His Church.

But, oh the joy when we love each other well! All of us want more of that, don’t we?  It can be scary, as close relationships require humility and risk. Even at our best we are never all the way un-messy, are we? But grace can make even our messiness beautiful if we stay in it together and work to keep pace with one another. And sometimes the world does see authentic people loving, serving and enjoying one another. In spite of always hearing about how we blow it, it still happens that, in quiet, humble ways everyday, the love of Christ is evident in His people.

 ^“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 New American Standard

Redeemer, help us to grow in love with our brothers and sisters. Let us more eagerly open to the gift of each other and risk closer relationships so others would see and long to be a part of this messy, gracious, body of believers. In the grace and mercy of Christ Jesus who loved us first and delights in us as we are, Amen.

Copyright photo and text Jennifer Brukiewa