We need you in order to be us. Does this make sense? Each person brings something to the whole, and if you are intended to be part of New Day, we absolutely need you. Psalms 68:6 says, “God places the lonely in families; He sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But He makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” The church is the family of God that is designed to be the place where every person can find community, acceptance, and love, as well as the opportunity to serve, learn, grow, and mature.
Ephesians 4:16: “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” This verse emphasises the importance of each member having an essential role in making the church whole. Each one of us is vital to everyone else. You are vital. We need you. You need us. That’s the tremendous, ridiculous, outrageous plan that God decided would transform our world.
But how do we do this, given all the constraints associated with Covid-19? Well, guess what—there are always constraints. There are always health concerns, financial troubles, divisiveness in politics, and differences in opinion. John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." How are we doing with this commandment? Are we really loving the other members of our spiritual family (and all those around us) in the same manner that Jesus loves us? Really?
How did Jesus demonstrate love for us? He not only risked death—He came knowing that death was inevitable. This means Jesus put everything on the line to show His love for you. Now He asks us to do the same to those in our church and our community. I absolutely respect each person's choice concerning attending in-person services during the pandemic. But that cannot be used as an excuse to isolate and stop loving one another. It may make it more difficult, but in fact it also makes it more essential.
We have in-person and online options for nearly everything. But we need each of you to participate, to actively love others. This may mean a phone call or a text. It can include commenting on the livestream or posting on our Facebook page. If you are willing to go to a restaurant and other activities with equivalent exposure, then you should be attending church in person. But if you genuinely prefer not gathering while the risk of infection continues, then push through the difficulty and find ways to stay connected, to love and receive love. Love is always difficult and costly—but that is our calling. It is the essence of being Christlike!