1 John 4:21
[21] “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”
The diversity of membership in a church always amazes me. Think for a moment about all the different types of personalities that attend your church. Isn’t it hard to comprehend how a group of people that are so different can become family? Most people in the congregation are not blood kin, nor have they spent most of their lives together. Within the congregation you have people who have different pay scales, different talents, and are of different mindsets altogether. I suppose the big question that should be asked is, “What is the connection?”
Let me begin by saying it’s not just any kind of a connection, it is a family connection. The world would look at the church and say they are not a true family. They never lived in the same house growing up, and they are not of the same family tree. This may be true, but they have a much stronger connection. The love of God dwells within their hearts and brings them together.
Have you ever heard someone stand up in church and say, “I’m closer to the church than I am to my own blood relatives”? The reason is because the love of God is the strongest connection in this world. Those who love God love the brethren. It is the common denominator in all our lives, and brings us together. You can meet someone you have never seen before, and if they are saved, there is an instant family connection. This is also evidence you are in the family. What a wonderful tie that binds us to each other, and then back to our Heavenly Father. The love of God in his children connects them together. Think about all the precious people you have come to love and know, because you met the Lord. Take the time to thank him for this family connection.