“Look,” they say, “how they love one another.”
This quote comes from the early Christian author, Tertullian, commenting on how his Roman neighbors thought of the Christians. As it was then, so it is now: Love binds us together as a faith family. We try and love each other like God has loved us in Jesus Christ.
At Grace Lutheran Church the call to love each other happens in different ways. For example, our families with young kids regularly gather for a time of being together, eating and drinking as the children play. Loving one another can mean loving to be with each other.
Another way it happens is through care for those who have something big happening in their lives. After one of us has a baby, meals are brought each night for two weeks to help ease the transition of having a newborn at home. People needing to see the doctor are given rides. People caring for ill or aging family members are given a break. Visits are made to hospitals, jails and skilled nursing facilities. Loving one another can mean caring for one another in times of need.
Being part of a faith family means being known, and not just noticed. Many of the people who have come into the church over the last few years have all said one of the reasons they came and stayed is because people cared that they were there. Loving one another means building relationships with others sharing the life of Christ.
God has loved us with an incredible Love in Jesus Christ. This is enough for us to build an entire life together.
