By Not Known
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need” Rom 12:13
When we read the New Testament, we will find a number of biblical images to describe God’s church. They are: The people of God, The body of Christ, The bride of Christ, The building of God, The Kingdom of God, The family of God, The flock of God and The vineyard of God (“Know The Truth”, pg 210-214). All of these images signify a community or a group of people with a common ownership, goals and with common interest to please our Owner, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
One of the goals as a community of God living on earth is to reflect God’s love for one another. Jesus Christ came to save not only individuals as an end but with the goal for individual Christians to get together to build the church with their gifts (Eph 4:11-13).
I thank God for our church as a community of Christ. Having served in ORPC for almost ten months now, I work together with the Elders, Deacons, members from the Visitation Team as well as members who are not from the Visitation Team to care and to show concern for members who are hospitalised or home bound.
Recently, I observed the care, love and encouragement shown to sister Phoebe Margaret Tan who suffered from cancer. Members visited her regularly, bought her desserts, read the Bible, shared with her from the Sunday’s sermon and prayed for her courageously whether at her home or in the hospital. She was very encouraged and felt the warmth of friendship, kindness and the brotherly and sisterly love when members visited her. She told us that she was not afraid to go home to be with the Lord. Sadly, she was called home to the Lord last Wednesday morning. I am also delighted and encouraged to experience such community’s care and concern. I pray that not only Phoebe, but that everyone may experience God’s love through His people.
A ripple effect can be produced when everyone cares in small ways.
On further reflection, I am concerned for regular attendants and communicant members who are not connected with the community. They may attend Worship Services as individuals but are not involved in any ministry. As members of the body of Christ, we are exhorted as God’s saved individuals to be in a community to experience each other’s love and care. Imagine, if Phoebe just attended church and did not interact with anyone in the church. When she was sick, no one would know or cared for her. Therefore, I am glad she joined the community and became a part of it through the Small Group.
Furthermore, Paul encourages God’s community in Rom 12:13, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.” There is strength when the church is united. When the church is a closely knitted community, we can share a common vision, share and serve each other, combine forces for mission and social work, reach out to the lost and continue to build the Kingdom of God in one accord.
Lastly, if the community is to be strong, everyone has to contribute or share our resources and time to serve God and one another. Individuals do not work independently but interdependently with one another with their diverse gifts. Consequently, we will bear fruit together. Therefore, do get connected creatively or through the Care Ministry – monthly Congregational Prayer Meeting, Small Group Ministry, Visitation Ministry and Women Ministry.
John Chew