Known by Love

Some time ago I wrote about the difficulty of breaking into a church -- how hard it is to go to a new church and become part of that church body rather than an outsider looking in. I think I've discovered the difficulty.

Churches generally have good plans and programs. They'll have large groups and small groups so you can go where you feel comfortable. They'll have large teaching venues and small teaching venues so you can go where you learn best. They'll have church groups and home groups so you can go where you best fit in. Many will even have interest-specific programs -- divorcees, singles, youth, sports, that kind of stuff -- so you can find like-minded people. All good. But it misses the point.

Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35). Funny thing. He didn't say we would be known for our adaptable groups, our generous teaching, our home groups, or how well we meet the special interests of believers. No, it was "love for one another." And that, I think, is what I am finding lacking in so many churches.

Oh, they're not unkind. They're not mean. They're friendly enough and all. The greeter at the door greets with a smile. They'll shake your hand in the "Let's all say hello to each other" part of the service. Someone will call you if you fill out the card. I don't mean that it's hostile. It's just not ... love. They might invite you to their group or call you to thank you for coming or see if you have any questions, but what is missing is actually caring. We've checked off the box -- invite or call or thank -- but do we care? Do we care about others? Are we concerned about their well-being? Do we love?

We are all commanded to love, but Christians are supposed to be known for their love for one another, something above and beyond that command to love your neighbor. No church program or policy is going to accomplish this. It has to come from people with hearts not twisted by the world of self-serving but hearts transformed by the renewal of the Spirit. Too many of us are satisfied with programs and procedures; we need to love.