There is an old saying that “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” That saying is usually associated with a romantic relationship but it can easily be applied to the church closings during last Weekend’s ice and snow storm. Going on projected weather reports, our church leaders thought it wise to cancel services last Wednesday and then again last Sunday. The consensus was that it is better to ere on the side of safety than to risk injury to any of our church family.
Our inability to gather together in the Lord’s house brought to mind a familiar scripture found in Hebrews 10:25 that refers to “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” We didn’t forsake our assembly for lack of desire or enthusiasm. We didn’t forsake our assembly because there was something more important for us to do. We didn’t forsake our assembly because we just didn’t want to come. We didn’t assemble because wisdom told us to heed conditions that were out of our control.
The point is that we really missed being together. We genuinely wanted to assemble for Bible Study, prayer and worship. Absence from the church gathering did make our heart grow fonder. Missing church caused us to realize just how important being together in the Lord’s house is to each of us.
Jesus loved the church and gave himself for it. Those of us who love the church and give ourselves for it miss it when we can’t be together.
Church assembly and church fellowship is important in the growth and development of our spiritual lives. Coming together in the name of Jesus is not a duty or obligation; it is an honor and privilege. Even more, it is a blessing. Being in the company of God’s committed is something we enjoy and look forward to. Being together in Jesus name we find encouragement, we share mutual concerns, we pray together, sing together, worship together and our lives are enriched by the bond of faith that binds our hearts in mutual love and purpose.
When circumstances beyond our control keep us from being together, we can truly say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Our recent absence has deepened our appreciation for what we share together in Christ. We didn’t get to meet together and we missed it.
In His Love,
Charles
