Together.

Returning from the NAFWB National Convention, my heart overflows with a profound sense of joy and blessing. There is something extraordinary about gathering with believers from every corner of the country… world—worshipping side by side, sharing stories, praying together, and witnessing the beautiful tapestry of Christ’s body united in purpose and praise. In those moments, the divisions of daily life faded, and I was reminded how deeply we belong to one another in Christ. The echoes of laughter, the warmth of fellowship, and the collective devotion linger now as cherished memories—a living testament to the truth that we are, indeed, God’s people, together.

This joy isn’t just emotional; it is spiritual, theological, and deeply human. Psalm 133:1 captures it poetically, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” That word “behold” urges me to pause, to really look. The psalmist sees something rare and beautiful: a community where love, peace, and shared purpose aren’t just ideals but realities.

IT’S SACRED.

Christianity is inherently communal. We are not saved into isolation but into a Body. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer” (Life Together).

Bonhoeffer wrote these words while imprisoned by the Nazi regime—words that came not from convenience but from a deep theological understanding. For Bonhoeffer, and for so many others before and after him, Christian community is not an optional enrichment—it is part of the call.

This was clear in the early Church: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). It’s a striking image—one of constancy, of rhythm, of joy in shared life. It’s not that problems didn’t exist; they did, and Scripture does not shy away from them. But they broke bread. They prayed. They worshipped. Together.

C.S. Lewis said, “In each of my friends there is something that only some other friend can fully bring out” (The Four Loves). If that is true in friendship, how much more in the Body of Christ? Each believer reveals a part of Christ to the rest of the community. We help one another see Jesus more clearly. In corporate worship, we borrow each other’s strength when our own feels weak. In singing together, we echo truths that may feel faint in our hearts but loud on our neighbor’s lips. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the Doxology sung in such sweet, proclaimed harmony that I did this week. It was truly majestic.

I was also reminded of the Apostle Paul’s call to this shared burden and joy: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). The Church is where our celebrations are multiplied and our griefs are divided..

IT’S BETTER.

We live in an age of increasing individualism, where autonomy is celebrated and community often commodified. In this context, the people of God living together in love, honesty, and grace becomes not only a refuge but a witness. Author Eugene Peterson said it like this in what become one of my favorite books, “There can be no maturity in the spiritual life, no obedience in following Jesus, no wholeness in the Christian life apart from an immersion in and embrace of community” (A Long Obedience in the Same Direction).

Community is not always easy. In fact, it can be incredibly difficult. But it is in the messiness of life together sanctification happens. As iron sharpens iron, we are refined—not just for ourselves, but for each other, and ultimately, for the glory of Jesus.

IT’S FOR ME.

I have found that the Church can be both my greatest challenge and my richest blessing. There have been times when I’ve wanted to walk away, frustrated by hypocrisy or hurt or unkindness (even of my own). Yet, the invitation remains: the table is always set, the saints still gather, and sometimes a hymn I could not bring myself to sing finds its voice in the faith of someone singing beside me.

Thinking through this, I’m reminded again of Paul’s urging in Ephesians 4:3 to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Such unity does not happen by chance—it is the fruit of purposeful patience, humility, and love. Paul’s counsel in Colossians 3:12-15 calls us to clothe ourselves in “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you.” When we “let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts”, we are drawn together as one body—invited into a life of gratitude. These exhortations remind me that true community flourishes not in sameness, but through the Spirit’s gentle work as we pursue peace, extend forgiveness, and allow love—above all else—to bind us together in perfect unity.

The joy of the people of God being together is not a fleeting emotion. It is a foretaste of heaven. It is, in fact, part of the inheritance Christ secured for us—not just reconciliation with God, but reconciliation with each other.

So let us lean in—not only to sermons and sacraments but to fellowship after church, to bearing one another’s burdens, to praying in kitchens, to singing through laughter and tears. “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).

That is the joy. That is the blessing. I love being TOGETHER.

IT’S PERSONAL.

Friend, if you’ve been standing at the edges—uncertain, wounded, or just weary—let me encourage you. Don’t settle for spiritual isolation. God has not designed you for loneliness but for connection! If you’re longing for deeper belonging, take that step. Join a small group, reach out for prayer, invite someone to coffee, or simply show up—yes, even on the days you don’t feel like it. The enemy thrives where we are divided and alone, but God’s healing, joy, and transformation are found when we are together. Risk being known and loved. Bring your gifts and your burdens. Add your voice to the song and your heart to the fellowship. Someone needs what only you can bring. The body is not whole without you.

In hoping these words make sense, may these reflections find resonance within your spirit.

YOU ARE LOVED, PastorPusch