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Happy Big-Game Week, reader! 🏈🏟️
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Whether you're a fan of sports or not, Sunday will Super Bowl LVIII, pitting the returning Chiefs vs. the 49ers. If you are hosting a party, consider inviting someone from the Riverwood family along with folks from your neighborhood!
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And while our weekly email isn't nearly as exciting as this year's Super Bowl, hopefully we can tide you over with Erin's next contribution to our One Thought series, as we explore the profound concept of 'brotherly affection' as explained through Romans 12:10...
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Love One Another
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...can be awesome! And it can be frustrating.
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Whether you have parents, kids, a spouse, or siblings, you know that familial relationships can be rich and inspiring, or draining and disappointing. (And sometimes they are both within the same day!)
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Yet, a large majority of families fight to maintain a relationship despite political differences, personality quirks, and the we-are-way-too-much-alike-that-you-drive-me-crazy moments. Dad might be extremely frustrated by his kids, yet he would readily die for them without a second's thought.
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This is the type of love God is communicating in Romans 12:10. As part of our One Thought series, the one idea I want to draw out of the first phrase: To "[l]ove one another with brotherly affection" is the idea of having a completely-dedicated-and-affectionate type of love.
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The Greek word the English Standard Version translates as "brotherly affection" is philostorgoi. This word means "the mutual love and affection of parents, children, wives, and husbands." It conveys a sense of tenderness. Yet, it is also a fierce love. This isn't like the "love" our culture has for fashion trends and music styles. This is a never-ending, constant affection for a friend or family member despite their failings and weaknesses. In fact, I would argue this type of "brotherly affection" increases the more the other person hurts. Like a mother rushing to her crying child, a Jesus-follower runs to their brother or sister in Christ when they are hurting.
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This is the type of love I argued for on Vision Sunday. For us to be the church God calls us to be, we have to "Love one another with brotherly affection." Or, as the NET Bible puts it, to "Be devoted to one another with mutual love."
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So as we consider how to apply this one thought, let me ask: Who has God put in your life to whom you need to show brotherly affection? And how can you show them this type of devoted love today or this week?
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Serve at the Food Pantry
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On Feb 13th, the mobile Food Pantry will be held in the Civic Center at Waverly City Hall. They are always looking for volunteers who can help setup and distribute food from 4:30-6:30 pm. Volunteer via the online sign-up at https://bit.ly/waverlyfoodpantry.
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The Community Table
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Ladies, join us on Feb 19th at 7 pm in the home of Sara Corcoran. If you haven’t been following along in the Better Together Discipleship Guide book, you are still welcome to jump in any month you are available! Bring a friend and join us!
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Baby Bottle Boomerang
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We are partnering with Alternatives Pregnancy Center for their 'Baby Bottle Boomerang’ Drive! Join us on Sunday, take a bottle home, and fill it with coins, bills, or checks! All baby bottles will need to be returned by Sunday, Feb 25th.
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Just For Fun
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Wanna know what we'll be singing at our Worship Gatherings on Sunday morning ahead of schedule? Follow Riverwood Worship on Facebook and Instagram to see the setlist and other updates!
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