February 23rd

February 23rd

Read: Ephesians 4:1-6 and Ephesians 5:25-27; Colossians 3:12-17

In past years I did a lot of knitting and crocheting, both of which consist of manipulating a filament of wool or cotton into substantial garments or fancy work. To anyone not familiar with the process it is hard to imagine a lace tablecloth in the making when he sees only a number of balls of crochet cotton.

That’s the way outsiders view the true church of Jesus Christ. They don’t quite see that so many individuals gathered and knitted together in Him will in the end become a bride without spot or blemish! They don’t realize that each member becomes a part of the whole, each set in relationship to another, another, and yet another.

As missionaries, my husband John and I have travelled extensively. Each Christian with whom we connect as we go becomes a part of the pattern of who we are in Christ, and we do the same for them. As we cement those connections with Christ’s love, the church is strengthened. As we touch unbelievers with that love, others are added to it. We are working with God to prepare the Bride.

THE SPINNERS
We spin a web,
Fine strands,
Gossamer connections
To those we touch in love …
Relationships,
The links
Mending imperfections,
Forging soul to soul.

We spin a web,
A mesh
Unyielding to division,
A yoke to God above …
Strong filaments,
Tendrils
Reaching out in mission,
Bonding fragments whole.

Prayer: Dear God, show me how to use Your love to help strengthen the relationships in Your church and to bring others to You.