You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.” vs. 23
1 Peter 1:21-23
Early believers thought of themselves as having been born anew by the implanting of the living Word of God in their hearts through faith. They had then been gathered by the Holy Spirit into small communities where they were bound together in mutual love, where, in this writer’s words, they were “to love one another deeply from the heart.” It’s this vision of small loving communities that continues to draw people into the life of faith. There is nothing in this fast-paced world of artificial intelligence and virtual reality that even comes close to satisfying that basic human need. The love that is experienced in small communities centered in Christ transcends the divisive political rhetoric that is slowly destroying our nation. In these groups, people are determined that nothing in all creation, no principality or power, no hateful speech or bigotry will be able to overcome the undying love that comes straight from the heart of God. Members will stand with each other through every tragedy and triumph, and regularly offer prayers of encouragement and consolation. This can only happen when the tie that binds them together is rooted, not in a common ideology, but in the sacrificial love of Christ. What a blessing it is when the Holy Spirit delivers us into the hands of such a faith fellowship!
Thought for the Day: Where do I find loving community?
0 Comments