In the early spring of 2020, a pandemic reached the United States. For the first time in my lifetime, we temporarily stopped having in person church gatherings. Before then, I would have just skipped right past 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18, but not anymore. Paul had been torn away from the church and he longed to see them face to face again.

For all the advancements we have made in technology, there is still no replacement for being in each other’s presence. We do not thrive in isolation, and we were not made for disembodied community. Make it a priority to attend church on Sundays and other church gatherings. Come with a purpose, for Paul said he wanted to see the churchgoers in order to supply what was lacking in their faith (1 Thess. 3:13). Don’t pull back or isolate; commit to community, and God will use you to build up others and others to strengthen you.

How can you be more intentional to make the most of the time you spend at church and with other believers?