The Church is a Family

What image comes to mind when you hear the word "church"? Do you primarily think of a building, a worship service, a pastor? Regardless of some popular connotations of the word, the church is actually a group of people—followers of Christ who gather to study God's Word, worship the Lord, serve others and share the gospel. Jesus created the church, his Body, and he designed it to be a family. There are so many ways that this family dynamic comes into play, but I'll just highlight two that I've been reminded of this week.

First, the church acts as a family by loving and supporting one another. We're called to give of ourselves—our finances, time, energy, resources and emotional support. Maybe this looks like bringing dinner to someone who has been ill or is going through a big transition, or buying groceries for a friend who's struggling to make ends meet. It could mean opening your home to someone who needs a place to stay for a while, or helping a friend move. Whatever it is, we have the opportunity to lay down our own desires and priorities to show love and kindness to our family. So many people have been that blessing to me in different times in my life. There's something so sweet about knowing that you'll never be alone, homeless or without help because you're surrounded by a family of brothers and sisters in Christ who love you because they're loved by God.

We're not created to live in isolation, and we certainly will not grow in sanctification without being in community. A necessary aspect of loving and supporting one another as a family is that we must openly share our lives. Your family can't minister to you if they don't know your needs and struggles. Just as we rejoice together, we also grieve and walk through difficulty together. We must be transparent and humble by allowing others to see the ups and downs of our life, and we should also be aware and involved in the lives of others so that we can be available to offer help and comfort, and to meet needs as they arise.

Another way the church functions as a family is to offer accountability. In becoming part of the church, we are committing to hold others accountable and to invite them to speak into our lives. It's a two-way relationship. We need each other to fight sin that is so easy to ignore or give into. We also have the opportunity to help each other make decisions and discern situations wisely. As Proverbs 11:14 says, "in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Our community can offer great insight that we may have missed or purposefully ignored. We are together growing as disciples and being conformed to the character of Christ. It is a great gift that our Father has given us to be able to walk together and keep one another from falling. It breaks my heart when members of the family isolate themselves, forging their own path and not allowing their brothers and sisters in Christ to speak into their life. God was very purposeful in the way He designed the church; let's not throw away this gift He's given us.

I am so very thankful for the Body of Christ. I've been so blessed by this family, both locally and globally. As I give thanks for this sweet gift, I'm reminded to love my church family well—speaking truth boldly, giving generously and serving wholeheartedly.