Connecting to God and to One Another

Have you ever wondered what it means to be a Christian?

What defines a Christian? How is a Christian suppose to live? What is really important? These are age-old questions and in fact religious leaders asked Jesus the same question, "Which of the commandments is the greatest?" Jesus responds by saying, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:34-40).

A famous children's song proclaims "And they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes they'll know we are Christians by our love." We know this to be true of the early church, as first century pagans were recorded saying of Christians "Behold, how they love one another." In fact the bible is as bold to say that "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love (1 John 4:8)." If God is love, then it is only in Him and through Him that we can fulfill the commandments to love. Therefore, we must first be connected to God.

But then, how do we love one another? The New Testament is full of "one another" commands that teach us how we are to treat our fellow man. The list is long, and may seem impossible to ever live up to. In order to best answer this question, look to the example of Christ Himself. For Jesus, community was not optional. As He began His ministry He first selected for Himself a group of disciples. From this point on, these men immersed themselves in nitty gritty, up close and personal, surrender all for each other, community. It was with these close friends that He did all of life with. Even when life got hard He said "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me (Matthew 26:38)." He didn't push His friends away, but drew them even closer in times of need.

So let us follow Jesus' example; with God as our foundation, let us make community our framework. As the body of Christ it is through one another and with one another that we experience Christ, learn to grow in our relationship with Christ, and serve Christ. That is how He did it, so we should go and do likewise.

There are many different ways to get connected at Trinity. You can try a small group bible study, a prayer group, or just come to a fellowship event. If you have questions or would like to talk with someone about how you can get connected, please call Aliza Beastrom at 216.281.1700 ext 111.