I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. (Romans 1:11-12 NIV)

When the faithful come together there is an imparting of gifts to one another. This is not a physical exchange, but something more esoteric. It comes from our mutual knowledge of Christ and His indwelling Spirit that exist in those of faith. Thus, we should long to see one another so that we may be mutually encouraged.

The body of Christ is the church and the church is not a building, but it is the believers who reside within. COVID changed so much in our world and has further diminished the ranks of those who attend a formal church. They believe they can get just as much out of listening to sermons from home. But this is a selfish view that robs others of their presence.

Our brothers and sisters need our presence and, whether realized or not, we need theirs as well. Faith is a personal thing, yes. But God meant us to come together so that together we could be a greater influence in the world. Alone in this world is not a place we want to find ourselves. We need only look to the body of Christ for companionship.