“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.“

Hebrews 10:19-25 (ESV) 

[Jesus praying for his Church before arrest] I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 

Matthew 17: 20-23 (NRSV) 

AUGUST 5, 2025

This week we are reflecting on the importance of gathering as the body of Christ. It’s a complicated topic. We all long to be part of a loving and committed community. However, our experience of gathering is often not what we hoped for or need; sometimes it’s just plain awkward. Other times, the very church body that is supposed to love us hurts us instead. I personally know several people who were so deeply wounded by their church community as children that to this day entering a church building is painful. Some leave the church altogether. Others stay because they believe God wants them to—but it comes with sacrifice and pain. 

Even though we are all part of one Body and should welcome one another equally, we become tribal and cliquish, choosing to spend time with others who are almost exactly like us, or those who we naturally like, or who share our political opinions. Where does that leave people who do not fit in?  

Sometimes we join a small group, and the group falls apart. Relationships formed during Bible Study may become dormant when the study ends. Your Christian community may be full of people who drive you nuts, or harmful leaders, or political divisions.  

We underestimate how hard social dynamics are. We underestimate how hard it is to be in a group, how hard it is to make and keep friendships, how hard human relationships are in general! Even in the church, we may feel lonely and unseen.  

So why do we stay? We’ll look at that tomorrow. 

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • Has there been a time when it was hard for you to gather with other believers? Why was it hard? 
  • What does your current community of believers look like? How would you describe the group dynamics, connection, authenticity and love? 
  • What are some ways you can grow in welcoming believers into your life who are very different from you and seeing them as made in the image of God, rescued by grace and the work of Christ on the cross and being restored by the power of the Holy Spirit?  

Church Reading Plan: Judges 19; Acts 23