In the church world, there are certain things that everyone knows.
- Christians aren’t perfect—far from it. They are simply recipients of God’s forgiveness and grace through faith in Him. Some call this “exclusionary.” I don’t know why—it’s available to everyone.
- Sheep can bite!
- Easter and Christmas are the most well attended days of the year.
Now, it seems, we need to add something else to the list. Christmas and Easter are among the loneliest times of the year for an increasing amount of people.
“How can that be?” you say. Seems odd, huh? I mean, typically there are friends with us, family gathering, lunch out with the whole gang, church with crowds of people. How could anyone possibly be lonely? Why is it that the internet is flooded with articles about loneliness at a time in history when people are supposed to be more “connected” than ever before via Twitter, Facebook and My Space?
Simple. These things didn’t help the problem, they exasperated it by connecting people virtually but not physically. As a result, good ole fashion eye to eye conversation is becoming a dying art.
Think about it. How many times have you witnessed a group of teenagers (for example) huddled together with their smart phones yet saying nothing? Oh, they’re talking, just not to each other! Or, if they are talking to each other it’s via text messaging—even when the person they’re texting is only 3 feet away! How crazy is that?!
So, suffice it to say, one thing is different about the crowd coming to church for Easter this year—they’re lonely!
But the good news is that we can help heal and connect them with just a little bit of kindness—just a small touch of the love of Christ.
Romans 12:10 says,
“Love each other with genuine affection.”
Determine to love others this Easter—but not out of compulsion. Ask Jesus to help you see them as He does.
Luke 6:38 says, “38(A) give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put(B) into your lap. For(C) with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Don’t be a ‘taker’ this Easter—be a ‘giver.’ Go second instead of first. Let someone else be seated ahead of you at the restaurant. Hold doors for people. Pay for things others can’t afford if you can. The list is endless but can be summed up in one word, “give.”
Finally,
Philippians 2:4, “Let each of you(A) look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
That’s also about the ‘little things’ that make a big difference.
Friends, let’s let the community around us see and experience the love of Christ this Easter through the words and deeds of the people of Southbrook Church
And ask God to grow His family with many who are far from Him as they are brought near through faith in Christ Jesus!