4. The church is a proving ground for love and forgiveness
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14) These words are impossible to live out in isolation. I believe the Father designed families and churches as the venues for love and forgiveness. How can we live out these words apart from our families, or the church — which is the family of God?
5. The church equips God’s people
Christian maturity requires a nurturing family atmosphere. Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the development of Christian character thrive in a healthy community. Entertainment apart from equipping is antithetical to God’s plan for the church — there are plenty of churches that amount to nothing more than TV shows. But fellowship and community without equipping also falls short of the mark. If there’s no equipping going on, it’s not fully the church. Jesus is into lab, not lecture. And it’s not recess, either.
6. The church provides a unique corporate witness
There have been exceptional individuals throughout history. Saints and geniuses appear larger than life, and because they are are so exceptional, they are easily dismissed as individuals, even freaks. But who could dismiss an entire community of faith? “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another,” said Jesus in John 13:34. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The early church would either get you healed or care for you until you died. Widows, orphans and outcasts of the first century knew there was a refuge called “the church.”
Perhaps you’re like me: You can imagine some people will listen to you preach on the importance of the church and think, “Of course he says that. It’s what he does for a living.” Don’t let imagined criticism keep you from boldly pointing to what our people need. Jesus paid the price for each individual, but the church is his gift to the world.
