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Well, hello there, reader!
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Thanks for opening up this week's News & Notes email. Before we jump into the next part of our One Another series, we want to remind you that if you haven't signed up to volunteer at the Waverly Community VBS, it isn't too late to do so (nor too late to register the neighbor kids!). And if you HAVE signed-up to help make it a great week for the kids, there is a mandatory volunteer meeting this Sunday night. (Details at the bottom of this email.)
This week, our very own Minette Ericson brings to us some thoughts on Paul's instructions in Romans 12:10 to "be devoted to one another." Enjoy!
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Be Devoted To One Another
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My children are probably like most other siblings: best frenemies. I am constantly telling my kiddos that God gave them a built-in best friend for life when He gave them their siblings. I want to remind them that being a friend is hard and takes practice, so they may as well begin that practice with their family members.
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Even if you're an only child or don't have close natural family ties, I am sure there is someone you consider to be "family" because you've experienced life together with them: a close friend, a mentor, or a spouse. And for those of you who are followers of Jesus, you are already part of a large family: the body of Christ!
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In the book of Romans, Paul exhorts the believers on how they should live in light of
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being redeemed by Jesus and choosing to follow Him. In the beginning of Romans Chapter 12, Paul talks about how the body of Christ has different gifts we each must use in order for our "body" to function appropriately. However, he didn't want to leave us with the single thought that we need to attend only to our own gifts, but rather he turned the focus on what we can ALL do that will cement the union of believers together: love.
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"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
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Another translation states: "Be devoted to one another in love." The Greek word translated "love" in this verse is the word philia, which means "brotherly love". This means we are to dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of loving each other like family. And this type of love is marked by showing care, affection, compassion, and utmost respect for one another.
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This isn't just a passing suggestion either. Paul calls us to "outdo one another in showing honor." He's doubling down on his exhortation. And whenever the Bible repeats itself, we better pay attention!
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So why then should we be devoted to one another in this "philia" love? This devotion to others will serve to unite followers of Jesus. It will also set us apart, and hopefully draw others to the love of God. In John 13:35, Jesus says, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
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Is there a member of your "family" you can outdo in being devoted in love? I encourage you to seek out someone you need to devote some time, resources, or just a listening ear to this week.
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Minette Ericson, Administrative Assistant
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Vacation Bible School
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VBS is this coming week, Mon-Thurs! There's still time to sign up! If you are volunteering, there is a mandatory volunteer training this Sunday, June 25 at 6 pm at Life Church.
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Missionary Visit
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This Sunday, Azlyn McCarthy will be sharing about her mission in Togo. There will be No Kids Creek so the kids can join us and hear her answer the questions they've prepared for her.
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New Series
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We’ll be going through the book of Ruth on Sundays during the month of July. If you want to get ready for this series, check out this Bible Project video.
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Just For Fun
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Redeeming Rebels (the band our very own Jake Epley and Anna Post are a part of) will be playing at the Concerts in Kohlmann Park on July 6 at 6:30 pm. Bring your own lawn chair and come enjoy some great music!
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