Knit Together In Love

Monday, September 28, 2020
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Face To Face With Christ My Saviour"1 (Lyrics)

Have you ever witnessed a large flock of Canada Geese flying overhead? It takes one's breath away. Their perfectly synchronized flight pattern leaves even non-believers asking themselves, "What kind of higher power could orchestrate such a wonder?"

As these geese encourage one another with their loud, welcoming calls, other geese appear out of nowhere, responding eagerly to the invitation of fellowship. They are very social by nature and choose never to be alone unless they are mourning the loss of a mate. Even after that short period of grace, they will return to their flock. Are they knit together in love, the way the apostle Paul spoke of believers in his letter to the Colossians? "That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ." (Colossians 2:2 ESV)

When Christians are not part of the fellowship in a church body, they will find themselves out of sync and feeling isolated. According to George Gallup Jr., Americans are among the loneliest people in the world. How is that possible when we live in a society with technology right at our fingertips, enabling us to connect with 385 million other people? Could it be that, although connected, we are not knit together in love?

Due to the updraft that their wings create, Canada Geese can fly 71 percent farther in their V-formation than if they flew alone. They do not pause for a moment when being invited or called to join their team. They respond immediately in blind faith. While such trust is a mystery to most of us, the encouragement and fellowship of the flock are clear. The real secret is how much confidence they have in each other.

Perhaps when a church is out of sync, the members should examine themselves and consider re-grouping to follow the example of these unwavering geese. Are they knit together in love? "If in the fellowship of service, I seek to attach a friend to myself, so that others are caused to feel unwanted; if my friendships do not draw others deeper in, but are ungenerous (to myself, for myself), then I know nothing of Calvary love." – Amy Carmichael.

Imagine the welcoming blanket that every church could knit if they began with one stitch at a time, knit together in love!

Romans 12:11 – Never be lacking in zeal, but keep Your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Father, sustain our passion for serving You. Help us to encourage each other and bring You glory in all that we do. Amen.

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About the author:

Lois Macdonald <loismacs5@gmail.com>
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Great example to think about, Lois.


    So important to remember. Thank you and God bless, Lois!


    Yes, to God’s amazing grace! Thanks for writing this devotional, Lois. Blessings.


    Thank you for a beautiful and well written devotional. Growing up and now I always look up to admire geese whenever I hear them. It is a majestic sight indeed.


    Good morning Lois,
    Very good devotional this morning you confirmed some of my very thoughts, thank you for writing.
    Blessings.


    Dear Lois,
    What an encouraging and loving devotional all based on the Canadian geese. Thanks for sharing and reminding us of what is important. May you have a blessed day.


    Hello Lois,
    Thank you for this interesting devotional today and a good reminder of the importance, that as church members, we need to support each other to develop a well-knit service to our Lord.
    Blessings,
    (B.C.)


    Lovely illustration.
    Sadly, too many churches lack the ability to “fly in formation.” The geese are an example for us all.


    This is a very important topic and I have seldom found anyone with the courage to deal with this problem which is prevalent in churches. Thank you for this submission.
    I am not Presbyterian, but this describes a situation in a church we have attended for many years since moving to a new city. This church has an “in-group” and the rest of the congregation. The in-group socializes together outside of church, have closed, study groups in their homes, are the lay leaders, and are all white people in a congregation where about 50% of the congregation are black (immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers). Everything is done by the in-group and the rest of the congregation are spectators. It has never become more apparent than during the Covid pandemic.
    The people who are part of the “in-group” work hard and do good things, but they never use the gifts, talents, and suggestions of others in the congregation. We have occupied leadership roles in other congregations, but at this church we are outsiders and have no fellowship in our church.
    You have obviously observed and understand this situation of people not being in fellowship in their church.


    A precious devotional, Lois. You have brought truths to light.
    Keep writing.

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