FELLOWSHIP WITH BELIEVERS
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 25-28

"He did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, just as his father, Uzziah, had done. But unlike him, Jotham did not enter the Temple of the Lord. Nevertheless, the people continued in their corrupt ways." 2 Chronicles 27:2 NLT

For me, attending church, worshiping with other believers, gathering in the Lord's house, is not an option. It's a necessity.

I get fed. I get fueled. I get encouraged. I get strengthened. I get loved. I get instructed. I get uplifted. I find unity. I get comfort.

Before you begin to think I live in a make-believe world where the sun always shines and the trolley always comes by, I also get hurt. I get rubbed raw. Burned. Snubbed. Overlooked. Wronged. Things don't always go according to my convictions. My opinion is not always asked for, or taken into consideration.

It can't not happen in a body of imperfect folks.

It can't not happen in a group of folks who are already in need, desiring help, seeking healing, growing in grace.

Hurt lambs, hurt lambs, I've heard said.

Maybe you don't attend church. It might be you've not found the right one. It might be you thought you'd found the right one and then 'that' happened. It might be you've been bruised by a family of believers, or cut deeply and the wound still aches. It might be that you cannot tolerate another gathering of hypocrites, I've heard that said before. It might be you've decided you can worship alone--without the drama, without the heartache, without the issues of others.

I hear what you're saying.

But you need the body of believers.

And they need you.

It's Jesus' example. It's God's desire.