As we walk together, we grow together. Through seasons of joy and seasons of hardship, we grow together. This is the beauty of the body of Christ.

Philemon seems like the kind of person who loves his church in big ways. They meet in his home; he’s most likely one of the leaders in the church, and sacrificially loves them. It is these types of people that our churches need.

The Gospel is about reconciliation. God being reconciled to humanity through the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. But how often do we think about how this ‘Gospel reconciliation’ impacts our relationships with each other?

As I have reflected on the story of Ahab and the white whale, it has made me think about the way we can become consumed by events or thoughts to the point where we can lose our grip on reality or truth or kindness.

Imagine for a moment a church community that is real about serving each other; that is committed to each other in the muck and mess of life.

I can’t actually control this situation. I am unable to tell this virus to leave me alone. I have no power in myself to make me well. If I am not in control, who is?