Build Community 4

Matthew 18:20

Time alone can be very important. We often need some time where we are by ourselves, to spend an hour or two in quiet reflection, to have some peace and quiet to rest and think. But we are not meant to be alone. Since the creation of the world God has intended for humanity to be in a community with others and with God.

This passage from Matthew specifically follows a command that those who believe have the authority, when they are in agreement over a matter, to ask God for assistance in doing the Lord’s work. What does this closing comment remind us of?

A community of faith is vital for the work of God’s kingdom. Community with other believers is important in the growth of our faith and in our own spiritual journey. As believers we may feel comfortable in the knowledge of our connection with God and that may lead us to believe that it is not necessary to spend time in a worship community.

But we are in the company of more than just one another when we gather to offer worship to God or when we gather to do work in the Lord’s name. Whenever we gather as believers Jesus is present with us also. What a comfort and an assurance to know that in our frailty we are empowered with the presence of our Savior.

This is a reminder of how deeply God loves us and how much we are loved by the Son, Jesus Christ. We are not alone. The Lord is with us at all times. But it is also a reminder that it is important to gather as believers, coming together in a faith community, because when we gather the Spirit of God is with us.

Whenever we gather to worship we must bear in mind whose presence we are in. We must remember that our coming together in community is also an invitation for Christ to be with us.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you have an attitude of hopeful expectation and invitation when you attend a worship service?

Love 5

Matthew 18:20

Whenever I travel, and especially in these winter months with bad weather, I am grateful for the cell phones our family now owns. No matter where we are or what we are going through we can connect with one another in an instant. During moments of loneliness or anxiety we can keep in touch, the voice over the phone offering security and assurance. Although the loved one is not actually physically present, knowing that we are in touch gives strength and hope in times of fear and worry and solitude.

Just as Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 talks about that third strand in a cord, as we enter into a love relationship we must be aware of the need to invite God into the connection. In Matthew what does Jesus say about his presence?

This passage is specifically used for times of worship, times of Christian fellowship, Bible study, or any time believers gather. If two or more are gathered in the name of Jesus, for the purpose of holy fellowship, then Christ will be present also. Jesus will bless that time together and be a part of the connection.

But I believe this passage can apply even to a love relationship. If we enter into a bond with another person, if we share a relationship of love and caring for another, and we put Christ into that relationship as well, then the Spirit of the Lord will indeed be present. If we invite Jesus to be part of our love relationship he will come and be that third strand, that strengthening presence, which will help keep the love relationship powerful and secure.

Too often we enter into a commitment with other people and we trust in the emotion and our own faithfulness, failing to recognize that our relationships are at risk if we do not strengthen them with the presence of God. If we will love another person, even when we commit to binding that emotion of love to our being and that commitment of faithfulness to our hearts, we can sustain our love if we involve the Lord.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Have you invited Jesus to be with you in your love relationships?