“No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body. - Ephesians 5:29-30

There’s no place thoughtfulness should be more evident than within the church. Does that statement surprise you? As a body of believers, we are designed and called to take care of each other. Paul uses the image of a physical body to show our interconnectivity, and it gives new meaning to the phrase “take care of yourself”. When I’m hungry, you can bet I’m plotting out my food options. If I’ve injured myself, the plan is to (1) assess the damage, and (2) find help. 

This same thought process should play out with our church family. I should always be on the lookout for ways to take care of my church-not the building, but my brothers and sisters in Christ. This requires that I not be so consumed with my own life, and that I intentionally plan ways to show love, care, and support to those in my church.

It can feel overwhelming, depending on how big your church is! That’s why being a part of a small group really works to your advantage. By narrowing your focus to a concentrated few who you are committed to building relationships with and growing in Christ with, you make the practice of thoughtfulness way more manageable. This shouldn’t necessarily exclude us from broadening our thoughtfulness circle, however. When we show thoughtfulness to those who are outside our regular circle of friendships, it makes the thought go much further.

TRY IT: Who in your church circle right now is hiding a hurt or a disappointment? Drop a secret note or gift to encourage them.