"It Takes A Village!"
- Rita Larson
- Jun 11, 2023
- 3 min read
We are in Belize on vacation and are so blessed by our church family. For those who know both Brian and I, you know that we have our 3 pups, which are very special to us, like family. A few friends, part of our church family, volunteered to stay at our home and pet sit for us. Our oldest dog, Reno, became ill after we left as we were en route to Belize, and it sounded pretty serious and scary. She required a trip to a pet hospital, and our friends took care of taking her, loving her, and keeping us posted. Another friend from church was texting, asking if there was anything she and her husband could do to help. Thankfully Reno is OK! I cannot help but think about how blessed I am to be loved so much by so many people. I am so grateful to have a church family! It takes a village sometimes!
Subsequently, we are also traveling with two other members of our church family who are also very near and dear to our hearts. They were supportive and understanding as we sorted through what to do with Reno. Being able to fellowship, break bread together, and laugh the past few days has been so refreshing. It has made me think about the importance of plugging in and connecting with a church. Walking through life is not always easy, but walking through it with people who love and support you, with the kind of love the Father has for you, makes it much easier.
The value of having a church family is priceless! The Bible is full of passages emphasizing the importance of fellowship and community. Romans 8:16-17 says, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” This passage illustrates how our church family can be a source of encouragement and support when we are struggling. We can find strength and hope in our church family, knowing that we are all united in our faith and joint heirs of the King of Kings.
John 13:34-35 offers further insight into the value of having a church family. It says, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving one another, and in doing so, we can demonstrate our faith to the world. In having a church family, we have the opportunity to share and show the love of our Father!
Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” It is important to have fellowship with people who will make you a better version of yourself! It would be impossible for one piece of iron to become sharper without depending on the second piece of iron.
Without each other, both blades would be dull and quite useless. We are expected to live and serve in a community of other believers (see Hebrews 10:25), together as one body. God desires for us to build loving and growing relationships with each other ( 1 Thessalonians 2:8). Out of love, we can be held accountable and challenged to grow in our faith. We can learn from one another and have our faith strengthened and deepened.
Finally, Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” With a church family, we have the opportunity to glorify God through our actions. We are able to bear witness to the love of God and demonstrate it to those around us.
In having a church family, we are so blessed to be able to receive and give love, bear burdens, learn truth, and find help to overcome sin. Having a fellowship that we can rely on to pray for and encourage us, and to sharpen us in our faith is invaluable. It takes a village! We need each other, it really does take a village at times! ©Rita Larson 6/11/2023
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