Don’t you love coming together on Sunday mornings to celebrate Jesus, exalt His name, and encourage one another in our faith?! The Cypress campus teems with abundant life and the joy of unity. One area where oneness can be more of a challenge is in our Community Groups. We come together from an array of backgrounds and life experiences. Some are quiet, reserved, contemplating things before ever feeling the need to share. Others are downright chatty, laying their lives bare from the moment they walk in the door. Some have walked for many years with the Lord, while others are just now finding Him. We have a wide variety of personalities and opinions. It’s really the perfect storm of offense waiting to happen, right? BUT GOD…
Understanding our own position in Christ who Himself, the living Stone, was rejected by man yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, we too are being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:4-5). Our Father has lavished us with great mercy through His Son. We, too, are called to show mercy and regard for others. It’s through the encouragement of the Word that we are empowered to extend grace, patience, and kindness to those we may feel more challenged by. I’m so grateful for those who have extended these to me.