8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:8 – 11)
Service is of vital importance to the local church, and the strong relationship to the discipline of Fellowship is obvious. With love as the foundation (deep love, as mentioned above), this threesome (Love, Service and Fellowship) is potent. Just think of a local church where people who love each other with the love of Christ, journey together using their God given talents in combined service for the cause of Christ. The picture that emerges is captivating.
The passage above paints such a picture. Please prayerfully reflect on passage.
Something to think about:
Where do you see the combined service of believers showing up powerfully in the local church?
March 14, 2018 at 6:51 am
Recently I have seen the partnership of church and community based non-profits who already address local needs. The church isn’t creating competition but partnerships- money, time and intellect. This service ministers to the nonprofit staff as well as their clients.
March 14, 2018 at 2:30 pm
I really don’t know what to say as I may be critical..The passage though is powerful and I wish the people can really do what it says to do 😀
March 14, 2018 at 8:19 pm
It would be terrific to make a blanket statement and say that all three CO-EXIST in the local church and operate on the same level but this is not necessarily so. Whereas there are hospitable people who serve very well even as we fellowship as believers or “the family of God”, it is not usually the norm. Quite frankly, this is sad among “God’s people.” This is where both faith and works have to kiss and not say goodbye.
March 14, 2018 at 9:00 pm
Church effectiveness will certainly exceed all our expectations, if these three areas of love, fellowship, and service are nurtured.
However, we are dealing with human beings in the church who are not supportive in the three critical areas. As a result, it is not uncommon for persons to pull back.