Are not the people, in both ministry and laity, the ones who determine the quality of a church by their love?

In the 22 chapter of Mathew an individual comes forward and asks Jesus a question saying, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Although, we each sometimes bring our own problems, insecurities, and imperfection to church, the second most important of all of the Lord's commandments is to love each other. This is what we strive for, a loving and caring church constituted by loving and caring people. Romans 14:19 shows us one aspect of this love, saying, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." Our opportunity every time we meet is to make the house of the Lord the most enlightening it can be through the love of each for all and the whole. To offer this, there are some distinct, basic things which must be met. We must not be each other's condemners. We must put others first, before ourselves. We must protect the peace. Finally, we must be the friends and encouragers of all.

These are the words of God, which we seek to fulfill through our members, and I think our church does a very good job of fulfilling them. The love held by our church members, for fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, is one of the most powerful testimonies to the power of God working in our church. I believe a simple visit will reveal to anyone this strong community of people who share fellowship, peace, and good will at every service.