GOT CHURCH?- 2

2 Corinthians 8: 1,2

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of GOD bestowed on the churches of Macedonia, how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

ABUNDANCE OF JOY

It is a known fact that when the Church is persecuted, it grows; when an area is devastated, the Church grows; the poorer the community, the stronger the Church. In hardship and persecution the church increases, and in prosperity the Church decreases. It is also true that in hardship and devastation, love, compassion, hope, faith and mercy abound. It seems that the character of JESUS is unlocked when things are hard and people are hurting.  WHY IS THIS SO? SHOULD IT BE SO?

I believe that people unlock the doors of their faith, hope, love, compassion and mercy when they have nothing or little to protect. When they look to JESUS for help, they look for others to help; they reach out, not withhold. The Church of JESUS reflects His character in all time and all conditions, not just when things are bad. The more we yield to JESUS, the more of JESUS is seen in us. I believe that the conditions around us should not dictate how we love JESUS and yield to Him. Instead, our love for JESUS should be unending and continuous, ever growing in depth. I believe that Love, mercy, compassion, faith and hope should abound in the Church as a sign of the unconditional love of JESUS. 

For the Church to grow, more and more manifestations of the character of JESUS must be seen in each member. When people, who walk in darkness, see JESUS, they are drawn to the Light and want to embrace Him for their life. We are not only to preach the Gospel, but to LIVE THE GOSPEL as witnesses of the Love of JESUS.

BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND