This week, Pastor Jeremy is back with another one of our core Family Values - Family is Our Commitment. He shares on the importance of community and covenant.

There are differences between religion and Jesus. Many believe actions speak louder than words, but the Lord is looking for the intentions behind our actions. The things we do should not reflect dead religion only practiced once a week. We carry Jesus in our hearts, and into everything we do, daily. Pleasing Him should be our primary motivation. It will lead us to the right doors, places and people.

We must "hold values that keep us steady through the waves of life." One of Jesus' clearest values was family. He left heaven to "rescue an orphaned humanity and to restore us to relationship with the Father and each other". Time and time again, Jesus is seen choosing community over religious opinions. He desires for us to value people and relationships with the same measure and urgency.

The first church was not only devoted to knowing the Lord and the word, but to living life together in community. It is through community that we are sharpened, loved and grown in ways that impact our destiny. Too many people have forsaken community for self-preservation. We have forgotten that Jesus' primary earthly mission was to restore lost sons and daughters to Himself. Although people are imperfect and may hurt us, Jesus wants us to be committed to cultivating daily fellowship with others in the body. He did not sacrifice His life for us to be filled with His Holy Spirit but reject His people. He wants us to renew our commitment to Him through relationship with each other. Jesus is pleased when we lay down our past hurt and choose to thrive in covenant relationships. Let's lean in to this week's lesson on love and family.

Scripture References

Acts 2:42,47

Romans 12:10,11

1 Peter 4:10

Colossians 3:13