Some of the greatest shaping of my life has been the positive influences of brothers and sisters in the church network. It has been more than fellowship, though I love the ties that bind us. It is being connected with fellow believers that have modeled Christlikeness in the tough and trying places of life. They have encouraged me when I was down. They have shown me Jesus in inspiring ways. We have borne each others’ griefs and burdens and we have shared each others’ joys and triumphs. The Lord of the Church calls us to be Jesus to each other.
“Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NASB)
