Opening Scripture
“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:19-25 NASB
A Reflection on The Assembly
What is “normal”? For some, normal means routine—the comfort of things happening the same way every day. For others, normal means adventure and spontaneity, living in ways that are out of the ordinary. In truth, “normal” is often defined by personality. What feels normal to me may seem strange to you, and vice versa.
That’s why when we look back over the past year or months, some may describe it as “normal,” while others see it as anything but. Yet when we speak of the church, there is a sense of normalcy that never changes. No matter what is happening in the world, God has designed His church to be consistent. The fellowship we enjoy, the times we meet, the worship we offer, and the work we engage in—these remain steady because they are rooted in God’s teachings.
But here’s the challenge: in recent times, many have created a “new normal” for themselves that excludes active participation in the church. For some, assembling with the saints, working in the Kingdom, and engaging in fellowship have become optional. Yet that cannot be our norm, because Scripture is clear—God commands His people to assemble, to encourage, to serve, and to share life together (Hebrews 10:24-25).
As we think about this “journey of connection,” we must realize the task before us is not simply to return to what feels familiar, but to return to what is good, biblical, and life-giving. The church’s norm is not defined by convenience but by commitment.
Peter reminds us of this in 1 Peter 3:8-9, when he lays out five attitudes every Christian should embody:
- Harmonious – Our connection with one another.
Jesus prayed in John 17:21 that His followers would be one, just as He and the Father are one. The early church modeled this beautifully in Acts 4:32, where believers were of “one heart and soul.” Unity is not optional; it’s expected (1 Corinthians 1:10). - Sympathetic – How we feel for and with one another.
We are called to share in the joys and sorrows of our brothers and sisters. Hebrews 13:1-3 urges us to remember the suffering, and Jesus Himself said in Matthew 25:36-40, “I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” - Brotherly – Treating each other as family.
Peter also writes in 1 Peter 1:22 to “fervently love one another from the heart.” Christians are bound together as family, and that bond calls for sincere, active love (Romans 12:10; 1 John 4:7-8). - Kindhearted – How we treat one another.
Ephesians 4:32 calls us to be “kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” The compassion of Christ should flow through every believer. - Humble in spirit – Putting others before ourselves.
Paul urged the church to “walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:2). True humility places others ahead of self, following the example of Jesus.
These are not optional attitudes—they are the attitudes of Christ, and they must become the attitudes of His people. When Jesus asked Peter three times in John 21, “Do you love Me?” His charge was simple: “Tend My sheep.” If we love Christ, we must care for His church.
So as we look ahead, let us not settle for a “new normal” that drifts from God’s will. Instead, let’s commit to God’s kind of normal—fellowship, service, unity, compassion, humility, and love. Each of us has a role, and together, we can accomplish far more for the Kingdom than we ever could apart.
Kingdom thinkers are Kingdom dwellers. Let’s dwell, love, and work together for God’s glory!
