Very Dear to Us (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV)

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

            When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he shared with the people how greatly he desired their salvation and their good. That church had become dear to Paul, and so he was eager to share with the people his very life.

            When I read this tonight, I thought of our own sweet church where I serve. Over the past year, the people here have become dear to me and to my family. We have, by God’s grace, become eager to share with the church, not only our time, but our own selves. I hurt when our church hurts. I rejoice when our people rejoice. I thank God for this church family.

            How about you? Do you have a church family with whom you share your life? Are you pouring more into your church than a little time and occasional attendance? God has something better for his children than an occasional meeting and brief socialization. God wants us to give our lives to one another. He wants us to work together as a family. He wants us to show the world that we are his disciples by loving each other (cf. John 13:34-35).

            Lord, I am so grateful to you for the church where you have placed my family. I know that we are by no means perfect in our actions or attitudes; we need work. I know that We have much to do to honor you more. Yet, I cannot imagine wanting to be somewhere else. I also know that the affection that I feel for our church is a gift from you, and so I give you all the glory here. I pray that you will help me to love you by loving the church. Help my family to give you glory in the body where you have placed us. Help our church family to love you and serve you well.