Yesterday I posted about the virtue of love, especially love in the Christian community. Recently our Sunday School class started a study of Philippians, a book I have always appreciated because it brims with the love and joy Paul received from this particular group of Christians. He says:
"I thank God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." Philippians 1:3-5
I also have many special, loving memories about my church family, and as I sat in church Sunday the service brought several to my mind.
As we sang, "This is the Feast" I remembered my older daughter and her cousin playing "church" when they were very young, and singing this hymn which was used during our communion service.
The Old Testament reading from the book of Exodus contained this verse:
"You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself." Exodus 19:4
This reminded me of the confirmation song chosen by our younger daughter, (see Confirmation Songs), On Eagles' Wings.
The gospel for the day included:
"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." Matthew 9:37-38
When I led a Via de Cristo retreat years ago, I used this verse at one of the team meetings as we prepared for the retreat.
The hymn used before the Childrens' sermon was "I am Jesus' Little Lamb", a song I would often sing with my daughters. One day one of them said to me, "Mom, there are alot of kids who don't know they are Jesus's lamb." That touched my heart, and led to a series of Vacation Bible school programs that I wrote with a group of other women in the congregation.
I hope you get the point. Being part of a loving congregation will leave you with so many wonderful memories. Memories that continue to bless and comfort you throughout your life. Maybe you should make your own list, and give thanks for the love of other Christians you have known.
For more posts about love see:
What's Your Love Language?
Perfect Love
Win or Lose I Love You! by Lysa Terkeurst
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