Counsel #1 — Become Loving And Lovable

Picture: Counsel #1 — Become Loving And LovableCCL 104.1

Have you ever walked into a church and felt unwelcome? A couple moved to a new city and decided to try the closest church. With no greeters or ushers, they awkwardly found an empty pew. The person in front turned around and extended a handshake—to a member behind them. Later, they were directed to an empty "visitor's table” at the potluck lunch. Unsurprisingly, they never went back. See, a welcoming church isn't just polite—it's loving.^{[133]https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2015/10/grace} A hospitable Christian embraces you warmly and invites you home for lunch. So, who would make you feel more loved? Someone who ignores you or someone who shows genuine care?CCL 104.2

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3, 4CCL 104.3

“By the power of His grace manifested in the transformation of character the world is to be convinced that God has sent His Son as its Redeemer. No other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the influence of an unselfish life. The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.” Ellen White in The Ministry of Healing, p. 470.1CCL 104.4

Reflect: What practical actions can you do to help make church a loving, welcoming environment?CCL 104.5