Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

Devotion:

When I think of the word GATHER, I think of…

JEFF. Who texted all our neighbors when the pandemic first hit and said, “Let’s have driveway church together!” So we did—the whole time we were shut down.

TARA. Who called and said, “The cancer has taken over. Let’s gather all our friends and be together one more time earthside.”

TIM. Who said, “We are all doing the same thing—let’s get everyone together to encourage, support, pray, and be with one another.”

KIM & DARIN. Who have called the last twenty years of my life and said, “We are eating tacos, come have some with us!”

BARBARA. Who dedicated a whole 365 days to praying over my life and said, “Now you’re on my list forever!”

What I love about these people is that they aren’t all 7’s (the enthusiast) on the enneagram! They are all just trying to be more like Jesus: showing up for people, encouraging people, loving people! They have experienced the support of Christ, and when you feel it yourself, you can’t help but pass it along!

Gathering may look different to each of us, but I believe God calls us to it! We were never meant to do life alone.

So who do you think of when you hear the word GATHER? Which face comes to mind? I encourage you to let those people know how grateful you are for their presence in your life. Then, who do you need to GATHER this week or this month? What GATHERING can you initiate so people feel the love of Christ through you?

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for the people you’ve placed in our lives and for their touch on our hearts. Help us be initiators of gathering people in your name. Guide us to be connecting and life-giving to those around us. We thank you. Jesus, for your example of doing life for your kingdom’s sake. We love and trust you with our relationships.

Lindsey Harbaugh

Crossings Students Pastor | Middle School

Lindsey Harbaugh is one of the Middle School Pastors at Crossings Community Church. She is reminded daily that we can’t do life on our own—she’s so thankful for Jesus, the Church, and its people!

Resources:

• Love Does by Bob Goff
• Everybody Always by Bob Goff
• “The Church is Like” Sermon