Pursuing LIFE: The Importance of Relationships

Scripture Focus: Mark 2:1-12

Imagine
the scene...a huge crowd gathered around Jesus, making it impossible
to get anywhere near him...the room and surrounding area completely
full of people wanting either his healing touch, to hear him preach,
or simply to be in his presence. You can almost feel the crush of the
crowd. And then some men, determined to help their friend, get creative
about how they are going to get him close to Jesus. Not only do they
fight the crowd, carrying a cumbersome load, but they, when met with
difficulty, refuse to give up. All for the sake of their friend who
so desperately needs their help.

Are
there people in your life who would do that for you? Maybe they already
have. Are you a friend like that? What about to those you don't know?
Are you one who goes the extra mile for people in need? Do you see the
incredible need to connect with others in faith, both to share and receive. 

Sometimes it's easier to turn the
other way and pretend we don't need others; but we were created by
God to be in community. In community we are nurtured for growth and
given support to become the person God wants us to be.  We are
not created to do it alone.  We are also called to be in community
so that we can give to those who need our witness and help. The life
of faith is meant to be done in community.  "Let us not give
up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage
one another." Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)