The snow and ice this winter have resulted in several Sunday mornings in which we canceled our Church’s worship programs. Finally, yesterday the weather was better, and we were able to resume meeting together as a Church. Usually, Sunday mornings exhaust me because of my introvert nature but yesterday invigorated me. I was excited to see people and have numerous conversations that brought joy to my heart.

Typically on Sundays like this, my mind focuses on the selfish aspects of being a part of a Church. This day when I sat down on the front row, I wondered to myself, “do these people know how much of a blessing they are to me?” Immediately my mind went to a passage of scripture.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, (25) 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. (New International Version 2011)

I have used this passage repeatedly to instruct people to come to Church gatherings so that they might give of themselves to others. The emphasis is on what we have to offer other people. We are not called to attend Church for what we can get but rather what we can give. As a result of passages like this, most Sundays my life is focused on providing everything possible to other people. I share my thoughts, my ears, and my heart with people to encourage them. That is why I am usually exhausted at the end of Sunday.

Yesterday I was the recipient of the gifts other people are to me. They encouraged me. They spoke kindly to me and about me. They listened and loved. At the end of the day, I went home with my heart full of the joy of the Lord.

It is easy to think of Church and wonder, “what do I get out of Church today.” I would love for you to know that even if you do not receive anything on Sunday, other people were blessed by your presence. Some weeks you give, and some weeks you receive. You never know which one is going to happen. Yesterday I gave a little, and I received a lot. I am so thankful for people who show up in the name of the Lord because I am a life that was blessed.