LOVING THE CHURCH
All around the world, the month of February is a time when people celebrate love with a significant other or someone special to them. That’s why I want to take a moment to express how much I truly appreciate my church family at IFGF Vancouver!
Since our family’s big move from Indonesia, we have been rooted in IFGF for about 17 years. Like many of you, you’ve probably been part of an IFGF church for countless years, making it feel like a second home.
It’s safe to say my church family has watched me grow through various stages of life and all the phases I went through (yes, including the side bangs and baggy jeans phase!). Through it all, I have been cared for and supported in my journey of discovering a personal relationship with our Good Shepherd.
It is truly beautiful to build connections and learn from individuals who come from different walks of life. I am blessed to have many incredible women in the Church, from different stages of life, who have lovingly corrected, encouraged, and discipled me.
If I can be frank for a moment, I know that no church is perfect. I recognize that hurt can arise when members disagree on something, misunderstand one another, or feel offended by the actions of another member. But praise God—we have Jesus! He is perfect, and we are all undergoing sanctification. Jesus first loved us, giving us the perfect example of how to care for others.
Navigating relationships within the church can be challenging, which is why it’s important for us to reflect on how we can be more mindful of our words and actions. With that in mind, I want to explore some biblical truths on how we can demonstrate the love of Christ within our church.
LOVE IS SACRIFICIAL
I’ve had to unlearn the world’s perspective of love, which is often conditional and self- centered. In John 13, Jesus spent His last moments before His trial by washing His disciples’ feet. He already knew that Judas would betray Him for a few shekels and Peter would deny Him three times, despite claiming he would do anything to protect Jesus. Yet, despite this betrayal, Jesus still chose to serve them by washing their feet. In verse 35, Jesus declares:
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
I believe Jesus is teaching us to give without expecting anything in return. This might mean sacrificing our time, comfort, or resources for others in the church. I’m always encouraged by the builders of our church—those who sacrifice their weekends to prepare for Sunday services, those who cook meals for our fellowship gatherings, and those who joyfully visit the elderly in senior homes, sharing the love of Christ simply by being present, singing songs, and offering companionship.
To those of you who faithfully give your time to serve the church, I commend you. It is not an easy task, but I believe that God delights in every contribution—big or small—that is given for His Church. The more we go where the needs are, the more we will understand the heart of Jesus for His beloved people.
LOVE IS THE CATALYST FOR UNITY IN THE CHURCH
One of the greatest obstacles to unity in the Church is pride. I have observed that pride often causes tension in churches—it manifests when individuals elevate themselves above others or make judgmental comments. Other times, pride hinders reconciliation between members.
Instead of taking the time to resolve conflicts, people sometimes choose to make assumptions, speak negatively about others behind their backs, or even leave the church. If our hearts remain unchecked, bitterness and unforgiveness can take root. Colossians 3:12 reminds us:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
I love how Paul anchors us in our identity in Christ—we belong to Him, and the Holy Spirit lives inside us! Because of this, we are called to a higher standard. We should no longer be driven by self-centeredness or pride but instead, be led by the Spirit of God.
In the same verse, Paul encourages us to “clothe yourselves”, illustrating the need to put away our old selves while embracing our new identity in Christ, as His bride. Our goal should be to honor our brothers and sisters in Christ.
When conflicts arise, our first response should be to sit down and converse rather than avoid the issue. I had to learn this as I grew up in church. I used to avoid difficult conversations because I was afraid of hurting others or getting hurt myself. However, I quickly realized that avoiding conflict does a disservice to both me and the other person.
The easiest choice would be to walk away, but Jesus teaches us to take responsibility for our actions and seek restoration. Many stories in Scripture, such as Jacob and Esau, demonstrate that healthy relationships are built on forgiveness and unconditional love. When they prioritized reconciliation over winning an argument, God brought favor, peace, and restoration.
Difficult conversations are essential for spiritual growth. As 1 Corinthians 13:5-7 says:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
I believe God intentionally places us in our church family to shape our character and make us more like Him. The circumstances we face in church are learning opportunities—chances to meet people where they are, respect differences, and edify each other in faith. All it takes is a humble heart.
The Church is more than just a community—we bear the name of Jesus. Like lighthouses, we are meant to reflect His love to the world, a love that is unconditional and unfailing. With that in mind, I encourage you to be intentional in your relationships within the church. Pray for one another, exhort, correct with gentleness, and express appreciation for those God has placed in your life.
Let’s build a culture of love and unity—one that reflects Christ’s heart for His Church.
Jennifer Wijaya (Global Women Coordinator)
