2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Throughout the month we have looked at the verses teaching us to love one another, love others as Christ has loved us, and to be imitators of God. The message is clear – we are to love our friends and fellow believers. By this we not only show the world we are followers of Jesus but we can be used by God to help save, heal, and restore people.
In the final greetings from Paul in his second letter to the church in Corinth we see it yet again. We are told to be restored fully. You cannot be restored if you do not communicate with others or learn where you might need restoration. We are told to encourage one another. It is hard to encourage someone if you don’t know them or what they are struggling with. We are told to be of one mind. It is impossible to be of one mind with someone you don’t have fellowship with. And we are told to live in peace. You probably know what it requires – actually interacting with others.
We are not meant to live life in solidarity. We need people. We need fellowship. We need each other. We cannot love one another by hiding out at home, hiding behind our phones while at church events, or sitting off to the side and not interacting.
Be restored. Be encouraged. Be of one mind. Be at peace. Be THERE.
And do you know what happens when you are? The God of love and peace will be with you! What’s a better reward than that for obeying Him?
Think of someone you haven’t seen at church recently, who hasn’t attended youth group or small groups, someone who doesn’t seem to actively engage with others. What can YOU do to reach out to them and show some love?
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