The People Jesus Bought
1 Corinthians 8:13 - Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
John 13:34–35 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Before the first song begins this morning, look around the room. Some faces are familiar enough that you know where they’ll probably sit. Others belong to people whose names you haven’t learned. You may know a little of what someone carried into church this week, but most of what the room holds will remain invisible to you. Among us are people who feel steady in their faith and people who are still finding their footing. We don’t arrive with identical histories, preferences, or understanding. Yet we gather around the same Savior who has given us a relationship with one another that none of us could have created by choosing the right company.
Paul brings the Corinthians’ discussion about food to a deeply personal conclusion. He calls the person affected by his freedom “my brother,” then he explains what he’s prepared to do for him. If eating meat leads his brother into sin, Paul will give it up. He remembers who sits beside him and takes the opportunity to care for someone who belongs to Jesus. That’s a fitting way to enter Sunday worship. We gather to hear God’s Word and sing His praise with people He has entrusted to our care. Our presence, attention, and love can become ways Christ strengthens someone else. Jesus gives the measure of that love in John 13: “just as I have loved you.” He spoke those words before going to the cross. The love that forms this family is His own costly, saving love.
This morning, listen for what Scripture says about your Savior. Let the words we sing remind you of His mercy. Don’t think you need to arrive with enough patience for everybody in the room. You’re coming to the Lord whose Spirit can supply what you lack! Then look around again. Maybe the person you find difficult is someone whose faith Christ is patiently strengthening. Maybe the person sitting alone would welcome a conversation. You can learn their name and give them your attention.
Jesus also says that our love identifies us as His disciples. Someone visiting may have heard plenty of Christian arguments and be unsure what Christian care looks like. A congregation that receives people warmly and bears with one another gives them something worth asking about. Our mutual love and kindness can help make our words believable as we speak about the Savior whose mercy we’re receiving ourselves. We will sing together today because Christ has brought us near. When the singing ends, His love still has people to reach through us. Some of them will be standing just a few seats away.
Head: Jesus gave Himself for the people you’ll worship beside today.
Heart: Whom have I regarded as an inconvenience rather than someone my Savior loves?
Hands: Receive the truth of Christ’s love in worship this morning. Then move toward one person you would usually pass by, listening with care and compassion.
Prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank You for bringing us near to the Father and to one another. Help me receive Your Word and Your care through our gathered worship today. Open my eyes to someone I might otherwise overlook, and supply Your patient love through me. Amen.”
-PK