Believers have two fundamental responsibilities: to love God and to love people (Matthew 22:37-40). This is often done through service. How and where varies according to our gifts, abilities, and calling, but we are all expected to be involved in a local body of believers.

When someone trusts Christ as Savior, that person is baptized by the Holy Spirit into the church, the body of believers united by faith. The biblical plan is for the new Christian to then choose, according to the will of God, to join a local group of believers where he is loved and needed. (1 Corinthians 12-18).

The church is more than a community. It is a body with individual members created by God to function in communion with one another. Christians, like the world at large, are a diverse group, so we must strive for unity. But our differences are something to celebrate, as each person contributes in a special way to the purpose God has for us. A church that functions as a unit, with all its varied gifts, talents, personalities, and intellects focused toward Kingdom goals, is a beautiful thing in the eyes of the Lord.

The body of Christ functions most beautifully when all of its members choose to serve God and one another (1 Corinthians 12-25).

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, today I ask You to increase my joy in wanting to serve others. May the gifts you have given me be put at the service of Your church. Let me see how I can serve wherever I am. May I never forget that my fundamental responsibilities as Your child are to love You above all things and to love my neighbor. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.      1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.