But
speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into
Christ.
My very loose paraphrase of today’s scripture passage
might read something like this:
God has given every one of us gifts, or abilities, with which we are
to serve him and his church. We are to use those gifts to help each other become mature
Christians, firm in our understanding of the Gospel and of God’s love. And speaking
the truth in love, to encourage each other to a lively discipleship toward Jesus
Christ, and to do good works of service in the church and in the world.
How might this play out in the day-to-day life of Reformation Lutheran
Church?
I see a group of "siblings in Christ," loving him, imitating
him, loving and caring for each other. That will show itself in a congenial friendliness
toward each other and toward visitors and newcomers.
It will show itself in loving concern and a willingness to lend a hand
when the family has problems. And when any member of the family is hurting, the siblings
will reach out in loving help and assistance.
It will show itself in the nurturing of faith among all the children
and youth in the family, the giving of time and energy and resources to help the children
grow in faithfulness to Jesus.
The lives of each sibling will show to the world the truth, the beauty,
the joy of being part of the family of Christ. And each sibling will eagerly share his
faith with those inside the family and those not yet part of it.
They will, in warm tenderness, speak the truth in love when a sibling
needs encouragement, guidance, or perhaps admonition.
They will be sensitive and responsive to those who are hungry,
homeless, or otherwise suffering.
They will gather together regularly to praise and honor their heavenly
Father and their Lord Jesus Christ.
And they will enjoy each other’s love and company. Yes, they will
play together.
Heavenly Father, I am grateful for your love for all people, and
I thank you for all of my siblings in Christ, my family. Help me, as part of that family,
to love and care for my siblings in Christ, but also to reach out to the surrounding
community to offer Jesus’ love to all. Amen.
Wil Johnson
