The study group that I was a part of last evening discovered something fascinating: the body image a person has of themselves impacts their perception of relationships around them. This perception influences their place and involvement in the body of Christ – the Church.
After several months, the body of Christ at Clifton Adventist Church is taking a step this Sabbath (June 5) in coming together. How will the members of the body of Christ view & treat one another? (This is a good time for a refresher in the Word of God. Please read I Corinthians 12: 14-20; Romans 12: 3-16.)
God instructs His people not to judge (Romans 14:13), not to slander (James 4:11), but to encourage (Hebrews 3:13), to bear with (Colossians 3:13), to forgive (Ephesians 4:32), to build up (Romans 14:19), to care for (I Corinthians 12:25), to comfort (II Corinthians 1:3,4), to serve (James 1:27), to confess to and pray with (James 5:16), and to submit (Ephesians 5:21) to one another, all coming under the umbrella of Jesus’ clear directive to love (John 13: 34,35).
So, my dear sisters and brothers: whenever we come together and when we are apart from one another, let us remember that each one of us plays a vital part in affecting Christ’s body image. Your decision and action will make Jesus smile or enable the evil one to smirk.
[PS: Next Wednesday (June 9), the study group will explore what love has got to do with relationships. You might discover something fresh or crazy. (6 pm EST; ZOOM: 676-020-882)]–
Jeba Moses
Pastor, Clifton Adventist Church
