That's a hefty title isn't it? Here's my thought for the day (inspired as I was reading my brother-in-law's doctoral dissertation): with all of the shortcomings of her, the church is dramatically and totally loved with the everlasting love of the Son of God. Christ didn't die for my neighborhood or me "alone." (By the way, if I hear the statement that "if you were the only person on the face of the earth, Jesus would have died for you anyway"--where did anyone ever get that and why do we say that?? it's ridiculous because it's hypothetical and not supported by Scripture.) He died for His bride, the Church.
The problem with the church is that I don't love her enough. With my every desire to redeem her, to build her, to love her, my love for her is not enough. It pales in comparison with the love I should have.
I'm through treating the church as if she's optional. I've been through for a long time with poking my embarrassing critical remarks about her. I love Christ's bride with all my heart. I will use my weak giftedness to build her up, teach her and proclaim the gospel in her midst in obedience to the Lord's command. To love Christ is to love His bride.
Where she falls short, pray for her. Where there is sin cover and rebuke it in love.
My friend, love your Christ-exalting, Bible-saturated, ministry-minded, Spirit-led, service-loving gathering of believers--shortcomings and all. Christ does.
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