Why we are called to commune with one another

Many times I have heard fellow Christians mention that they believe in Christ and the bible, but yet they no longer attend a church or regularly associate with fellow believers. Some of these people are family members for which I care for deeply. And so in the hopes of encouraging them to reconnect I am writing this entry into my blog.

From my own experience, I myself went through a phase of being away from the Church and the Body of Christ. At first it was due to a traumatic let down by someone within the church and then simply not wanting to face my actions away from the church. I am assuming that these loved ones have also experienced something similar.  This is something I can certainly understand and empathize with. Whatever the “event” was; please let me assure you, it had nothing to do with GOD. Stop blaming him for the actions of that person, who like you is imperfect and probably not even aware of how it affected you. It took me a long time to realize that the anger I felt toward God, the betrayal I experienced and subsequent loneliness had nothing to do with him.

You see sin of this nature has a kind of double-edged effect, and for those not aware, it can easily become a snare. I am sure, at some point in time everyone reading this has felt the pang of hurt inflected by another, the tricky part is letting it go. You know that you have been wronged; God knows that you have been wronged, and maybe even the injurer knows you have been wronged. But the bottom line is that you are still in control of how it will all play out from then on. I know, I know; your thinking what is he talking about, is he saying it is my fault or that I caused the injury or even deserved it? To those questions I respond with a resounding NO. What you are responsible for however is the length of time you will be bound and imprisoned by your resentment. You see, holding another person in contempt is a sin as well; which in turn heals nothing, but deepens our own injury. Forgiveness, real forgiveness and by extension freedom, can only be present if it is complete and relies solely on the effort of injured party.

This is one of the greatest lessons I have learned in the past few years and I have found that with forgiveness comes great peace. For me, it was the first healing step in the recovery of my relationship with the church and my fellow believers. Like every journey the path has many twists and turns, but I am not looking back. This newfound attitude, coupled with my willingness and ability to see God in all areas of my life along with the acknowledgment that all things are for the good of those who love God, is a life changing experience.

We were never intended to simply accept what life brings to us, but to actively rejoice and remember that God is good in all things. Philippians 4:7-9 King James Version (KJV) states:

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

I don’t know about you but that is one hard example to follow. I know that there have been many times in my life or situation where it has been really hard to see or hear God. This is why we are called to commune with one another. The sharing of our stories is essential not only to help each other and encourage each other but also to fulfill one of the greatest commandments.

John 15:11-13 King James Version (KJV)

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

For what better example could we have, then our Lord and Saviour Christ who died for us and while on this Earth communed with us. Should we not choose to do likewise and follow his great and perfect example? I think the benefits out weigh the cost and so did Christ.

Hebrews 10:24-25King James Version (KJV)

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.