Dear Church of the Open Bible,
As we consider exchanging gifts this season with family and friends, I can’t help but be thankful for one gift in particular. And that’s you. Brothers and sisters in Christ. Our church family. The years have taught us not to take this gift for granted. Peter expresses some of the dynamics of this gift in 1 Peter 4:8-10.
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…
This past week I saw people loving one another earnestly in their need, with freezer meals and constant prayer. I watched people show hospitality, without grumbling, as they set up and served during our Christmas Pageant Sunday night (Thank you, Kristine & Company!). I heard people steward and serve God’s grace at our Ladies Christmas Party and Men’s Coffee time on Saturday. These are but a small fraction of the Spirit’s working through Christ’s people. Thank you, and let me encourage you to keep loving, forgiving, and serving one another.