There was a middle-aged man who had just lived through a devastating life crisis and was telling his story. “I’ve got to be honest; I joined this church 20 years ago to make business contacts. I never in a million years thought I was getting a loving family out of the deal.”

He shared several examples how his church family had impacted his life over those years, and now that he had faced a life crisis, he acknowledged, “I never would have made it through this without you.” The gentleman offered a sincere prayer of thanksgiving for God’s many blessings he had received because of the love of his church family.

Christ followers in local churches gather week after week as a family of believers. Each member of the family is an important member of God’s Kingdom and His church. When you attend church next week to worship, say a silent prayer and thank God for your church family.

1 Thessalonians 1:4, “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers…”