How God Feels About His Church
Introduction
As a Christian, you understand the profound love and care God has for His church. The Bible is replete with passages that reveal God’s heart towards His people, His church.
God’s Love for His Church
God’s love for His church is immeasurable and unconditional. He sees the church as His adopted family, His precious children who will inherit His kingdom. This love is not just a distant, abstract concept but a tangible reality demonstrated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:25-27 beautifully illustrates this love:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
God’s Correction for His Church
While God’s love is unwavering, He also calls His church to a higher standard of holiness and righteousness. This call often comes with correction. Revelation 3:19 says, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” God’s correction is not punitive but redemptive. It is meant to guide the church back to the path of righteousness and to fulfill its mission on earth.
One area where the church often needs correction is in its unity. Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers in John 17:21, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” Yet, divisions and conflicts often mar the church’s witness. God calls His church to resolve conflicts, forgive one another, and strive for unity in the Spirit.
Another area of correction is in the church’s mission to serve the poor and marginalized. James 1:27 reminds us, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” As someone deeply committed to helping the homeless and reducing poverty, you understand the importance of this mission. God calls His church to be His hands and feet, serving those in need and advocating for justice.
God’s Encouragement for His Church
Alongside correction, God offers abundant encouragement to His church. He reassures His people of His presence and power. Matthew 28:20 promises, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This assurance of God’s presence is a source of immense comfort and strength for the church as it navigates challenges and fulfills its mission.
God also encourages His church by reminding it of its identity and purpose. 1 Peter 2:9 declares, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” The church is not just a gathering of individuals, but a community called to reflect God’s glory and proclaim His goodness to the world.
Living Out God’s Call
As a Christian, you have the unique opportunity to lead your community in living out God’s call. This involves fostering a culture of love, unity, and service. Encourage your Christian friends to build strong, supportive relationships with one another, reflecting the unity that Jesus prayed for. Create opportunities for your small groups and church to serve the poor and marginalized, embodying the love and compassion of Christ.
Moreover, inspire your friends to embrace its identity as God’s chosen people. Remind them that they are called to be a light in the world, sharing the hope and love of Christ with those around them. Equip them with the tools and resources they need to grow in their faith and to live out their calling.
Conclusion
God’s feelings towards His church are a beautiful blend of love, correction, and encouragement. He loves His church deeply, corrects it lovingly, and encourages it continually. As you lead your family, organizations and businesses, may you be inspired by God’s heart for His church and empowered to guide your people in living out His call. Remember the words of Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” May this verse continue to guide and inspire you in your ministry.
