Pastor Mark's November Letter

Dear Church Family,

Of all God’s gifts, one the greatest is the gift of Christian friendship.  We are blessed to be Christians, and to be a part of God’s Family.  But how should Christians relate to one another?

The Bible says to ENCOURAGE one another, and to build each other up.  Is your posture towards other Christians that of encouragement, or do you become impatient and critical?

Wouldn’t it be nice if all Christians were surfing on the cutting edge of God’s love, joy and peace?  But that isn’t the case.  Many wonderful, godly, Christian persons are struggling.  Many (most) are facing some type of problem, disappointment and obstacle.

Encourage one another; this is God’s mandate!  “Breath” COURAGE into the lives of fellow-Christians by speaking positive, sincere and hope-filled words.  Forgive people before they ever ask you for forgiveness, and even if they never ask you.  Be slow to anger and quick to hear.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted and forgiving of one another JUST AS God, in Christ, has forgiven you.  If you can’t be gracious and forgiving of fellow-Christians, then you do not know the only God of the Universe, who is merciful, and who we worship, even the Lord Jesus Christ.  Flowing from the heart of God is love, mercy, grace, encouragement, blessing and hope … true Christians exude the same to others, and certainly to their fellow-imperfect-Christians.  In praying the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to forgive us AS we forgive those who sin against us, right?  All of the above recommendations are from the Bible, and there are many other instructions in the Bible explaining the way Christians should treat one another.

Are you breathing (en)COURAGE into the hearts and minds of fellow-Christians, or are you withholding your compliments and blessings from others?   Do your words, demeanor and actions build confidence into the lives of others?  Do you believe in others (because of what God can do) even when others are feeling defeated?

Follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ who came to serve, and not to be served.  Focus on encouraging others.

Sincerely in Christ,

 

Pastor Mark