Ten Reasons Why We Should Love The Church - #7

We have made it to the seventh reason why we should love the church.  Thus far we have briefly considered that...

1.  Loving the church brings glory to God

2.  Loving the church demonstrates faithfulness to the Word of God

3.  Loving the church is one of our greatest witnesses to the world

4.  Loving the church unity in the body of Christ

5.  Loving the church stimulates meaningful and vibrant corporate worship of God

6.  Loving the church generates solid and biblical edification

 

And now, number seven...

 

7. Loving the church brings about a genuine caring and sharing in the Body of Christ.

To genuinely love someone is to care for and serve that one.  When true Christian love is developed in the church, the Body of Christ will, by default, care for and share in serving one another.  Read the testimony of Paul regarding the church at Thessalonica...

Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2).

So desirous of ministering to the Thessalonians, Paul sent his beloved co-worker Timothy to the benefit of the church.  Oh that we would so love one other that we would sacrifice whatever is necessary to "strengthen and encourage" the church.  A bit later Paul wrote these words to the church...

For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account...(1 Thessalonians 3:9).

As the Body ministers one to another, as we care for one another and share in each others' lives, then there is great cause for rejoicing and motivation to express gratitude to God.  

How might you express a genuine attitude of caring for someone with whom you fellowship today?  What might you share in or with someone with whom you fellowship today?