Matthew 18:20 says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them”. When we affirm His promises in the company of other believers, we “let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes” (Ephesians 4:23).
Dear Lord, please fill our hearts and minds with Your spirit each day as we seek to fulfill your will in our daily lives. May my words help others to seek the joys of belonging to a group. Amen
Belonging and participating in groups has benefited my life in numerous ways since I was a child. The opportunities that come with participating in a group are enormous. They have lifelong value and have increased my strengths in areas I would have not known about otherwise. The variety of groups I have belonged to range from becoming a Girl Scout as a child to leadership positions as an adult. The reasons for my joining groups are varied, such as wanting to become involved in my children’s education (PTA), becoming aware and more educated about government (political party) and wanting to read books out of my comfort zone (Book Clubs).
Membership in a group can be tremendously beneficial for the Christian experience. The most rewarding group I’ve been involved with has strengthened my faith, allowed me to assume a variety of leadership positions and has been there for support over the years (Church Gift Group).
The COS Gift Group I have been a member of for 20 years has enhanced my life in numerous ways. We value each member and are comfortable sharing deeper questions about our spiritual journeys in a safe environment. The feeling of acceptance in a group can motivate you, strengthen your self-esteem and reveal purposefulness, often in unexpected ways. Our group worked hard to shepherd one another through the uncertainty and challenges of the virus and stay connected. We learned how to use resources such as Zoom and faithfully checked in on one another. I cannot imagine navigating the past two years without the support of all the groups I am a part of.
The size of a group changes the dynamics; however, each one provides ways to study, review and communicate with others. A community of friends will encourage you to tackle more complex issues, share your unique perspectives and knowledge, and can challenge you to be accountable for your actions.
I encourage everyone to explore the opportunities offered at COS and join a group! There’s a reason why Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a banquet rather than a table for two! Life’s important experiences are meant to be shared!
Heavenly Father, keep the words of Matthew fresh in our minds as we know that whenever we gather together, You have a purpose for each of us. Scripture reminds us that the more we seek you, the deeper our understanding becomes. Grant us peace as we pursue Your purpose and faithfully nudge us to investigate joining a group. In Jesus’s name. Amen
