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Friday, March 18, 2011

Wanted or Tolerated?


I recently attended a conference during which one of the speakers made the statement that he had always felt tolerated and not wanted. I winced as I felt the stab of that reality pierce the hearts of many individuals around me - their sentiment escaping in quiet audible groans.

Seriously? In a church-related gathering why should anybody have to feel this way? Perhaps we have become so wrapped up in going to church - a good and necessary activity, that we have failed to be the church - reaching out in authentic relationship.



"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. "


1 Thess 3:12 NIV



The Apostle Paul's ministry was a success because of the relationships he formed with individuals and subsequently churches. Notice the example of his, and his companion's love for the church.


When you shake hands with someone this Sunday, make a connection with them. Go beyond a simple greeting on a single day of the week. Touch someones life - you may be the conduit of love and acceptance that they need. Plus, the life that you may be enriching may be your own.




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