She had trusted Christ as a young girl and sometimes attended church alone, but it was difficult. Sibling relationships became more dysfunctional through the years also. She eventually married, but that relationship, too, became rocky. Finally, when her daughters were born, she knew she needed God and a church family if she was to parent well and build a strong marriage.

“Since returning to church,” she says, “God is growing me and using me. He has even brought healing to some of my childhood hurts. I am so thankful for the body of Christ.”

While we are all flawed and in need of grace, God established the church for His purposes to encourage one another and to share Jesus with the world. For our maturity and His service, we are to function together, not alone.

Consider these truths about the church: (1) Following his conversion, Paul spent his entire life establishing, equipping, and encouraging churches. (2) Revelation is a book of letters to the churches. (3) Jesus “loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Eph. 5:25).

No one denies that the church, made up of fallible people, can be a source of hurt and failure. It can also be a place of great growth, healing, and redemption. It is never wise to separate from our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are family.