Loving the Church When It’s Har

Loving the Church When It’s Hard How is it that the church, the place that teaches us about true love, is so often not allowed to be in need of love? We know no church is perfect. Every church is composed of imperfect people who constantly make mistakes and need grace, yet we judge the “bride of Christ” harshly. We compare her shortcomings with those of the church down the street as we try to determine which church has the best services, worship teams, and facilities. But what we often forget is that the church is not an event or a building, but people—people who, through God’s love, have been brought to life in Jesus. What if, instead of pointing and judging, we plant ourselves at our local church and start investing our love there? Paul tells us that love never fails. When programs, pastors, and worship bands fail, love won’t. Trials may come and storms may arise, from outside and within the walls of the church. Yet if we root ourselves in loving devotion to the church, Jesus’ name will be glorified in us. Let us not forget the beautiful love story between Christ and the church. Since Jesus calls the church His bride, let us then see her as He sees her: radiant and holy before Him.