AfterWords: "A Church Strong: We Love Our Church"

 

Colossians 3:12-17

Why do we love our church? What is there to love? And, how do we create and sustain this loving atmosphere? This week, we bring to a conclusion the “A Church Strong” series as we celebrate the opportunities for service and ministry through our congregation, as we remember those things that we love about our church.

The Apostle Paul is also interested in a ‘church strong’ as he writes to the Christians at Colosse, Thessalonica, Ephesus, and other churches. And, as any good writer or teacher, when he wants to emphasize a point in his letters, he uses the most common tool of all: repetition. In the passage we read today, Paul repeats three ideas, concepts, elements. Let’s take a look.

First of all, in v.13, Paul repeats the importance of forgiveness. As a healthy congregation, forgiveness must be a part of daily life. As mere mortals, human beings, we are going to offend one another—no doubt. Over 99% of the time, we will do so unintentionally—a word hastily spoken, a simple but unexamined act. Those offenses separate, weaken, and divide us. And, the unforgiven offense can have farther reaching effects than we often realize. We must be forgiving.

Next, Paul talks about the “peace of Christ” and that we’re a people of “peace.” Our gatherings are to be marked by peace. When we step into the gathering of God’s people, we should be stepping into a place free of anxiety, a reunion wherein we leave the stresses of life outside—or at least find relief inside! This is the “peace of Christ”—a peace that you and I as Jesus-people bring to the gathering and share with those around us. You and I become agents of peace, so we must come together wishing peace on those around us, and we must act in a way that promotes peace.

Finally, in the final verses of this passage, Paul talks about thanksgiving and gratitude. The people of God are a thankful people. Our natural response to the world around us often is to notice what we don’t have, what we lack, what we wish we had. Paul reminds the Colossian church and us to choose gratitude and thanks. And, when we stop and consider, God has provided so much. We have received much, we have a lot. Or, maybe we haven’t. Still, we must express gratitude and thanksgiving for that which we have.

As we worshiped today at McAllen First UMC, we shared almost 40 video clips that we gathered over the last three weeks in which people expressed why they love our church or something they love about our church. We also recognized that many of us came into this congregation because someone invited us. As a church strong, we are committed to inviting people to come into the family of faith while we continue to reach out to and go out into the communities around us as we live out the faith.

 

Sunday, October 27, 2024
“A Church Strong: Story”
Watch/Listen: HERE