A healthy congregation is known not only for its firm biblical convictions but also for its loving attitudes. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). If the love of Jesus is indeed being practiced, how does the church conduct itself?

      A Loving Church Welcomes Sinners. The Pharisees criticized Jesus for receiving sinners and eating with them (Luke 15:2). The Lord, of course, never treated sin lightly. It was sin that nailed him to the cross. But he did treat sinners with respect and genuine warmth.

      A Loving Church Misses the Wayward. Jesus identified with the shepherd who left the 99 in the wilderness to search for the one lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7). When brothers or sisters wander from the fold, it is wrong and unloving to give up on them easily.

      A Loving Church Confronts the Wrongdoer. Although Jesus loved the rich ruler, he forced the young man to face his materialism (Mark 10:21). Loving confrontation enables the wrongdoer to see his mistakes and grow. A healthy congregation therefore speaks the truth in both public assemblies and private encounters.

      A Loving Church Bears Burdens. At Golgotha Jesus “himself bore our sins in his body on the tree” (1 Pet. 2:24). Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves. Inspired by his example, a faithful congregation walks beside anyone overwhelmed by betrayal, grief, sickness, or painful memories of abuse.

      A Loving Church Encourages Involvement. Jesus observed that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matt. 9:37). In other words, his disciples were needed. It is a serious mistake for church leaders to do everything themselves. This makes the members feel unnecessary.