. . . not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25 NIV
I have been a part of a local church body for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a family that was very active in church life. If the doors were open, we were there. I came to faith in Christ shortly before leaving my parent’s home. And life within the body of Christ has been a big part of my life in the 50+ years since then.
But I cannot deny that there have been times when I have been tempted to quit. Not abandon my faith. But stop “going” to church. I have experienced hurt from other church members. Disappointment in the apparent direction the church was taking. And times when I didn’t seem to fit in.
The restrictions/advisories on large gatherings during the initial years of COVID-19 led my wife and I to start attending our local church online for a couple of years. As an introvert, I am generally uncomfortable in large gatherings, so online services appealed to me.
But they lacked something very important. The encouragement that comes from being with other believers. So, I forced myself back to in-person services and into a new (for us) community of believers.
It was not comfortable at first. And it was not the denomination we had spent nearly 70 years in. But it has been very encouraging and has reignited a passion for serving our Lord.
I say all this to encourage you to don’t make the mistake of “giving up meeting together.” Be a genuine part of a community of believers—not just an attendee but a contributing member. A community that will encourage you and where you can encourage others. A community where you can share your faith journey with other believers.
It may not be the church you are currently in. Or even the denomination you have been a part of. Don’t let that stop you from finding a real home in an encouraging community of believers. Don’t drop out. Jump in instead.
