April 28th, 2025
by Pastor Stuart
by Pastor Stuart
The Power of Connection:
Seeing the Light of God in Others
Have you ever experienced a moment so profound that it changed your life? A moment where you felt the undeniable presence of God, not just around you, but within the very people you encountered? These divine intersections often catch us by surprise, appearing in the most unexpected places – even in the middle of a church service.
Imagine being asked to turn to a stranger, look them directly in the eyes, and sing these words:
"I see the light of God in you.
The shining light of God comes through.
And I am blessed to be with you.
Oh, heavenly child of God."
At first glance, this exercise might seem awkward or uncomfortable. But for those who have experienced it, the impact can be life-changing. As one participant described it, "We peered into each other's souls and we saw the light of God at the core of who we were. We acknowledged it and we shared it with each other. And it was clear that God's love was present in that moment."
This powerful encounter serves as a reminder of the profound connections we can forge when we truly see one another as beloved children of God. It's a testament to the transformative power of community and the presence of the Holy Spirit working among us.
Throughout history, the church has been a place where such extraordinary moments occur. From the day of Pentecost, when onlookers thought the disciples were drunk with the Spirit, to modern-day worship experiences that leave us in awe, God continues to make His presence known in powerful ways.
But what happens when the initial fervor fades? How do we maintain that sense of connection and community in the day-to-day reality of church life?
The early church in Jerusalem faced this very challenge. Expecting Christ's imminent return, they pooled their resources and lived in close community. However, as time passed and their numbers grew, they encountered an unexpected problem – inequality in the distribution of food among widows.
This issue, recorded in the book of Acts, highlights an important truth: shared beliefs and experiences of God's love don't automatically translate to perfect harmony. Even in a Spirit-filled community, human nature can lead to oversight and division.
The early church's response to this challenge offers valuable lessons for us today. They didn't ignore the problem or let it fester. Instead, they came together as a whole community to address it. They formed what could be considered the first church committee, led by Stephen (who would later become the first Christian martyr).
Their goal wasn't just to solve a logistical issue of food distribution. They were tackling a deeper challenge: how to truly become one body in Christ, bridging the cultural divide between Jewish and Greek Christians. This committee was working to forge genuine connections and create a family out of formerly disparate groups.
This ancient example resonates with our modern calling as Christians. We are still tasked with the vital work of drawing close to one another, connecting with more people, and becoming the body of Christ in all its fullness. We are called to create a community that is greater than the sum of its parts.
As human beings, we are not meant to be solitary creatures. We were created for community, designed to share our lives with one another. This truth finds beautiful expression in ministries like Stephen Ministry, where individuals are trained to provide one-on-one care to people experiencing difficulties in life.
The power of Stephen Ministry lies not in providing all the answers or magically fixing problems. Its strength comes from the simple act of being present, listening, and caring. It's about ensuring that no one has to face life's challenges alone. This ministry embodies the early church's commitment to caring for every member of the community, drawing people closer together in times of need.
Interestingly, those who serve as Stephen Ministers often find that they receive just as much as they give. The relationships formed through this ministry can become like chosen family, deepening the bonds within the larger church community.
The good news is that God desires for us to be together, to become the body of Christ and the family we are meant to be. God is tenacious in providing opportunities for us to make this happen. However, it's important to remember that God doesn't force us into family-like relationships. It's the space we create in our hearts, the care and love we share, that draws us closer to one another.
This connection helps us through both the triumphs and struggles of life. It provides us with someone who can be present with us, look us in the eyes, and truly see the light of God within us.
As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to actively build these bonds of connection. How can we work towards becoming the greatest family the world has ever known? Here are a few practical steps to consider:
1. Practice truly seeing others: Make a conscious effort to look beyond surface-level interactions and see the divine spark in those around you.
2. Be present: When someone is going through a difficult time, don't feel pressured to have all the answers. Sometimes, your presence and willingness to listen are the greatest gifts you can offer.
3. Bridge divides: Look for opportunities to connect with those who may be different from you. Like the early church, we are called to unite diverse groups into one body.
4. Serve others: Consider how you can use your gifts to care for others in your community, whether through formal ministries or informal acts of kindness.
5. Cultivate vulnerability: Create safe spaces where people can share their struggles and joys, fostering deeper connections within your community.
6. Celebrate together: Don't forget to rejoice in the moments of unity and divine presence you experience. Share these stories to encourage others.
As we strive to embody these principles, may we become a community that truly reflects the light of God to the world. May we create spaces where people can look into each other's eyes and genuinely say, "I see the light of God in you." In doing so, we'll not only transform our own lives but also offer a powerful witness to the transformative love of Christ.
Imagine being asked to turn to a stranger, look them directly in the eyes, and sing these words:
"I see the light of God in you.
The shining light of God comes through.
And I am blessed to be with you.
Oh, heavenly child of God."
At first glance, this exercise might seem awkward or uncomfortable. But for those who have experienced it, the impact can be life-changing. As one participant described it, "We peered into each other's souls and we saw the light of God at the core of who we were. We acknowledged it and we shared it with each other. And it was clear that God's love was present in that moment."
This powerful encounter serves as a reminder of the profound connections we can forge when we truly see one another as beloved children of God. It's a testament to the transformative power of community and the presence of the Holy Spirit working among us.
Throughout history, the church has been a place where such extraordinary moments occur. From the day of Pentecost, when onlookers thought the disciples were drunk with the Spirit, to modern-day worship experiences that leave us in awe, God continues to make His presence known in powerful ways.
But what happens when the initial fervor fades? How do we maintain that sense of connection and community in the day-to-day reality of church life?
The early church in Jerusalem faced this very challenge. Expecting Christ's imminent return, they pooled their resources and lived in close community. However, as time passed and their numbers grew, they encountered an unexpected problem – inequality in the distribution of food among widows.
This issue, recorded in the book of Acts, highlights an important truth: shared beliefs and experiences of God's love don't automatically translate to perfect harmony. Even in a Spirit-filled community, human nature can lead to oversight and division.
The early church's response to this challenge offers valuable lessons for us today. They didn't ignore the problem or let it fester. Instead, they came together as a whole community to address it. They formed what could be considered the first church committee, led by Stephen (who would later become the first Christian martyr).
Their goal wasn't just to solve a logistical issue of food distribution. They were tackling a deeper challenge: how to truly become one body in Christ, bridging the cultural divide between Jewish and Greek Christians. This committee was working to forge genuine connections and create a family out of formerly disparate groups.
This ancient example resonates with our modern calling as Christians. We are still tasked with the vital work of drawing close to one another, connecting with more people, and becoming the body of Christ in all its fullness. We are called to create a community that is greater than the sum of its parts.
As human beings, we are not meant to be solitary creatures. We were created for community, designed to share our lives with one another. This truth finds beautiful expression in ministries like Stephen Ministry, where individuals are trained to provide one-on-one care to people experiencing difficulties in life.
The power of Stephen Ministry lies not in providing all the answers or magically fixing problems. Its strength comes from the simple act of being present, listening, and caring. It's about ensuring that no one has to face life's challenges alone. This ministry embodies the early church's commitment to caring for every member of the community, drawing people closer together in times of need.
Interestingly, those who serve as Stephen Ministers often find that they receive just as much as they give. The relationships formed through this ministry can become like chosen family, deepening the bonds within the larger church community.
The good news is that God desires for us to be together, to become the body of Christ and the family we are meant to be. God is tenacious in providing opportunities for us to make this happen. However, it's important to remember that God doesn't force us into family-like relationships. It's the space we create in our hearts, the care and love we share, that draws us closer to one another.
This connection helps us through both the triumphs and struggles of life. It provides us with someone who can be present with us, look us in the eyes, and truly see the light of God within us.
As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to actively build these bonds of connection. How can we work towards becoming the greatest family the world has ever known? Here are a few practical steps to consider:
1. Practice truly seeing others: Make a conscious effort to look beyond surface-level interactions and see the divine spark in those around you.
2. Be present: When someone is going through a difficult time, don't feel pressured to have all the answers. Sometimes, your presence and willingness to listen are the greatest gifts you can offer.
3. Bridge divides: Look for opportunities to connect with those who may be different from you. Like the early church, we are called to unite diverse groups into one body.
4. Serve others: Consider how you can use your gifts to care for others in your community, whether through formal ministries or informal acts of kindness.
5. Cultivate vulnerability: Create safe spaces where people can share their struggles and joys, fostering deeper connections within your community.
6. Celebrate together: Don't forget to rejoice in the moments of unity and divine presence you experience. Share these stories to encourage others.
As we strive to embody these principles, may we become a community that truly reflects the light of God to the world. May we create spaces where people can look into each other's eyes and genuinely say, "I see the light of God in you." In doing so, we'll not only transform our own lives but also offer a powerful witness to the transformative love of Christ.
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