We have discovered that in the body of Christ there is extraordinary love between brothers in God’s church.
We have experienced firsthand the amazing hospitality and generosity when we step through the door of another Christian’s home. And even though we may never have met before, they show a familiar love that comes from Jesus and it humbles us and causes us to praise our Savior for being the example for this kind of love.
That’s why it’s ordinary and extraordinary at the same time.
Ask Webster and he will tell you that Ordinary means:
1. With no special or distinctive features; normal
2. What is commonplace or standard
I hope you can agree that the love of Christ is normal and commonplace in the church, we have seen it and can testify that from the start of the church in Acts to today's church in the Americas (and beyond) this “commonplace” love is the norm (or should be!). Yet, it is so extraordinary in the eyes of the world, unusual and remarkable! It is extraordinary because it's uncommon. Those who are outside of the body of Christ should be able to look at the transformed church and see that the love they have is pure, authentic, without grumbling, freely given, patient, kind, looking out for others above your own needs. Now that's extraordinary and astounding! The world knows that it's natural to seek our own good above someone else and take care of self first in this crazy world. Yet the church is called to love like no one has ever seen and make it the new normal!
Acts 2:46 “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
As many of you know, our family and the Myers family just got back from a two-week trip to visit supporters as well as many possible partners who graciously listened to us tell of the hopeful work for God’s Kingdom in Argentina.
This Christ-like love we encountered every day of our trip from our brothers and sisters, and for that we are extremely grateful. There were so many who housed us, fed us, shared their time with us and opened their lives to us to listen and love. Thank you!!
May we, as the body of Christ, be known for this ordinary, extraordinary love for one another.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
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