Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Unity in Christ



Hello Everyone,
The summer has been long and slow for us. We are all really looking forward to some cooler weather. Justin and I have been reflecting and praying through these verses from Ephesians the past few days.
Ephesians 4:1-7
"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,  eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift."
 Being a pastor and a pastor's wife can be hard and discouraging at times. We can feel like we are constantly under a magnifying glass. We can struggle with the need to perform for others in a way they expect us to, instead of be ourselves. The hurt and exhaustion that creeps in can quickly turn to bitterness and resentment towards the ones we are called to love and serve. We are realizing that we have to give all of our hurt over to God. Pray with us as we ask for the Spirit to give us a daily renewal of our minds. We are earnestly seeking to bear with one another and our church body with all humility, gentleness, and patience. We also want to challenge you. If there is someone in your church family that has hurt you, seek out reconciliation and forgiveness. We have seen how the Lord is changing the way we view people. The first step for us was to give those relationships to Him. We know that He is faithful to give us what we need and the words to say. Please also pray for the evangelical churches in Italy. Our hope is that they also would seek out unity in Christ in every aspect of their relationships with one another.

Thank you for praying with us,
Justin, Carli, Luca, and Ephraim