Fear of Outsiders – Need for Community
Christ and His Church

Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-26

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word

This week we are looking at one of the universal fears among all societies and the need that comes from it – fear of outsiders. This fear is energized by a lack of understanding of those “outsiders.” The differences that one group sees in other communities, are usually never as great as they make it seem. Nonetheless, it is these fears that have driven every society to divide up into smaller groups or communities. It feels safer to us!

Is God catering to this fear by encouraging the formation of His church? No, God is using a weakness of man to bring about a good result as He does in all of our weaknesses. God puts a big welcome sign on His community of believers. “Whosoever will” is the theme throughout His church. The fear of outsiders is faced and dealt with in order to allow all people everywhere to be a part of this “faith community!”

Our scripture reminds us how God loved this church and died in order for this community of believers to thrive. Our scripture is using this model to help husbands understand how to treat their wives. It’s a great illustration of self-sacrifice, tender care, consistent love and humble leadership. Just as God’s children respond eagerly to this kind of treatment, so will wives respond positively to a husband who models this in a marriage.

Join me in participating in God’s church – let’s handle it with care!

Father, forgive me when I take for granted all you have provided for me – especially the church you died for. In Jesus’ Name, amen.