“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
-Hebrews 10:24-25
 
In the west, even in Europe, because the cities are so compact, people have to use public transport. But, we Americans have a deep sense of independence, and drive alone most everywhere we go. However, we cannot allow that desire for independence to move us outside of the formation that comes with a covenant community. Brothers and sisters, we shall say, “I made covenant with you, God, and I made covenant with your people. I need to repent.”

Especially in my younger preaching days, I loved to put down and minimize the importance of the Church, but I am done doing that. I am done criticizing its leaders. I am done criticizing its people. Today, I will love it. I will love the Church. I will protect the Church and I want you to join me. I think it’s time that we stop criticizing believers, disparaging preachers, going against other Christians, nitpicking this and that. It’s time to begin loving the Church and allowing the Church to love us.

So, no more of that. No more. It’s time to be positive, loving, joy-filled, happy Christians who know that we are safe in the shepherding of Jesus, and make covenant with God and with each other. We are the brides of Christ. If you believe it, say Amen.

Prayer: Dear Lord, draw my heart closer to my fellow believers. Help me to find a good, helpful, healing place within the body of Christ. Amen.

Reflection: Have you ever put down or avoided church for any reason? What was, or is, your reason?