2022_04_01 Insight Post- Emma Keeton

We are just coming out of a most unusual time of separation. Who could have predicted that a pandemic would create conditions requiring us to stay home and not even go to church? It’s good to be together as fellow believers and these last 2 years highlight just how precious Christian community is.

In 1 Thessalonians 1 & 2, Paul writes to the church of Thessalonica, commending them for their commitment to the faith (see Kim Feld’s post from 3/28). Paul desires to be with the Thessalonians:

“Out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you-certainly, I Paul, did again and again-but satan blocked our way. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:17b-20

This powerful language from Paul shows how much he loved and wanted to encourage the Thessalonians. Persecution likely prevented Paul from traveling to this community, yet this hardship had him longing more deeply for connection with the Thessalonians. Our fellowship as believers is something that we can take for granted, but God has given us each other as a gift for the journey.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was someone who valued Christian Community. As a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp, he preached Christ and encouraged those he was able. Even some guards would take him to the cells of those who were particularly distressed for Bonhoeffer to minister to. A word from a fellow believer must have been life-giving in those moments of complete desperation for the prisoners.

Today we are in danger of becoming numb to what we have together as believers and can miss out on the fellowship God intended for us to have. Alongside you is someone who is also filled with God’s Holy Spirit and has been saved by grace alone. You have been given each other to encourage, so do not live in isolation today. Ask God to open your heart so you can embrace the community that He has placed you in. And give God thanks for it!