Waiting for One Another: Embracing Community and Grace

Devotional

Day 1: Welcoming All into Community

God’s love calls us to embrace and include everyone, extending hospitality and belonging to all who come, regardless of their background or status. When we welcome new members or strangers, we reflect the heart of Christ, who opens His church to people of all ages, nations, and races. This radical inclusion is not just a ritual but a living out of our baptismal vows, reminding us that we are all claimed by God, renewed in the Spirit, and called to serve together. As we reaffirm our commitment to nurture one another in faith and surround each other with love and forgiveness, we become a community where everyone can grow in trust and faithfulness. [32:12]

Romans 15:7 (ESV)
"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

Reflection: Who is someone in your life or community that you can intentionally welcome or include this week, making them feel seen and valued?

Day 2: The Table Shapes Us for Life

The act of gathering at the table—whether in our homes or at the Lord’s Table—shapes us into a people who share, wait, and care for one another. Communion is not just a ritual but a way of life that forms us to be attentive to the needs of others, ensuring that no one is left out or goes hungry. The early church’s practice of breaking bread together was meant to foster unity and mutual care, reminding us that our relationship with Christ is inseparable from our relationship with each other. As we discern the body, we are called to self-examination, to repair relationships, and to let the love we receive in communion overflow into our daily actions. [56:52]

1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (ESV)
"For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."

Reflection: Is there someone in your church or family with whom you need to reconcile or share more generously, so that your table truly reflects Christ’s love?

Day 3: The Transforming Power of Waiting

Learning to wait for one another is a spiritual practice that builds empathy, patience, and deeper community. In a world that prizes speed and instant gratification, waiting can feel uncomfortable, but it is in the waiting that God works in our souls, helping us become more like Christ. When we wait for others—whether at the table, in conversation, or in life’s journeys—we give them space to grow and show them that they matter. This patient love mirrors God’s own patience with us, and as we wait, we find our strength renewed and our relationships deepened. [01:04:03]

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you are tempted to rush ahead or grow impatient—how can you choose to wait with hope and love, trusting God’s timing?

Day 4: Reframing Waiting with Prayer and Gratitude

Waiting is not wasted time; it is an opportunity to pray for others and cultivate gratitude. Instead of letting impatience or frustration take root, we can use moments of waiting to intercede for those around us, especially those who may be struggling or unseen. Practicing gratitude in these moments shifts our perspective, opening our hearts to God’s blessings and deepening our empathy for others. As we become more mindful and thankful, we find that waiting becomes a place of connection, joy, and spiritual growth. [01:07:10]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: The next time you find yourself waiting—in line, in traffic, or for a friend—pause to pray for those around you and name three things you are grateful for in that moment.

Day 5: Becoming Community by Waiting for Each Other

True community is built when we wait for one another, offering the gift of presence, patience, and unconditional love. Like the story of Mike and Jared, when we choose to wait for others—especially those who are struggling or feel left out—we help them become who God created them to be. This kind of waiting is not passive; it is an active commitment to see, love, and support each other through every season. In doing so, we reflect the faithfulness of Jesus, who promises never to leave or forsake us, and we create a space where all can belong and flourish. [01:15:31]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Who in your life needs you to wait for them—emotionally, spiritually, or practically—and how can you show up for them this week with Christlike patience and encouragement?

Sermon Summary

Today is a celebration of community, a reminder that each person—whether joining us online or in person—is a vital part of a living, growing family of faith. We welcomed new members, revisiting the vows of baptism and reaffirming our shared commitment to Christ and to one another. This is not just a ritual, but a living practice: to love, serve, and nurture each other as we journey together. Our acts of service, like preparing Thanksgiving boxes, are tangible expressions of this love, extending the table to those who may not even consider themselves “officially” part of our community, yet are embraced all the same.

The heart of our gathering is the table—a place where all are welcome, where we remember Christ’s sacrifice, and where we are shaped into a people who wait for and with one another. Drawing from my own family’s experience, I shared how waiting at the table for each other, especially for my brother who needed extra care, became a sacred act of love and unity. This stands in contrast to the early church in Corinth, where divisions and impatience fractured their fellowship. Paul’s words remind us that communion is not just about our relationship with Jesus, but also about our relationship with each other. To “discern the body” is to recognize and honor the presence and needs of those around us.

Waiting is not easy in a world that prizes speed and instant gratification. Yet, waiting for one another is a spiritual discipline that forms us into Christ’s likeness. It teaches us patience, empathy, and gratitude. Neuroscience and scripture agree: those who learn to wait experience deeper joy, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of belonging. Waiting is not passive; it is an active participation in God’s work, both in our own souls and in the lives of others.

The story of Mike and Jared, two veterans who found healing and friendship through the simple act of waiting for each other, illustrates the transformative power of community. When we wait for one another, we create space for growth, healing, and belonging. This is the way of Christ, who waits for us, who never leaves or forsakes us. As we go from this place, may we carry this spirit of patient, loving presence into the world, extending the table and the welcome of Christ to all.

Key Takeaways

1. Waiting for One Another Builds True Community Waiting is not merely a delay; it is a spiritual practice that binds us together. When we wait for each other—at the table, in conversation, or in life’s struggles—we create space for everyone to belong and to be seen. This patient presence is the soil in which authentic community grows, reflecting the very heart of Christ. [54:00]
2. Communion Shapes Our Relationships, Not Just Our Rituals The act of sharing bread and cup is not just a private moment with God, but a communal act that calls us to examine our relationships with others. To “discern the body” means to recognize the needs, hurts, and gifts of those around us, and to refuse to leave anyone behind. Our worship must overflow into how we treat one another every day. [57:29]
3. Waiting Is an Active, Transformative Discipline True waiting is not passive resignation, but hopeful expectation. In waiting, God is at work in us, shaping our character and deepening our empathy. When we reframe waiting as an opportunity for prayer, gratitude, and mindfulness, we become more like Christ—patient, compassionate, and open to the needs of others. [62:54]
4. Community Heals When We Wait and Welcome The story of Mike and Jared shows that healing and transformation happen in the context of patient, persistent friendship. When we wait for others to grow, to heal, or to simply arrive, we mirror God’s own patience with us. This kind of community is not just a support system, but a place where people discover their worth and purpose. [74:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Embracing Community and New Members
[04:30] - Thanksgiving Boxes and Serving Others
[11:52] - Invitation to Explore Faith
[13:00] - New Member Ceremony and Baptismal Vows
[32:12] - Congregational Commitment and Profession of Faith
[35:43] - Anointing and Welcoming Hymn
[52:35] - Family Table: Stories of Waiting
[54:00] - Lessons from the Table
[55:27] - The Early Church and Communion
[56:52] - Discerning the Body in Communion
[58:05] - Discipline, Discipleship, and Growth
[59:37] - Corinthian Divisions and Paul’s Challenge
[62:00] - The Spiritual Practice of Waiting
[67:46] - Veterans, Community, and Belonging
[74:54] - The Transformative Power of Waiting
[79:51] - Prayer, Care, and Sending Forth
[80:43] - Go Forth as Children of the King

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 11:17–34 (ESV) — (Selected verses for focus)

> 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
> 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) —
> but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
> they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
> they shall run and not be weary;
> they shall walk and not faint.

Observation Questions

In the story about the family dinner table, what specific actions did the family take to make sure everyone, especially the brother who needed extra care, was included and valued? [[54:00]]
According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 11, what was the main problem with how the church in Corinth was practicing communion? [[01:00:17]]
What does Paul mean when he says we should “discern the body” before taking communion? [[56:52]]
In the story of Mike and Jared, what did Jared do that made a difference in Mike’s life? [[01:11:16]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul connect the act of communion with how we treat each other in the church, not just our personal relationship with Jesus? [[56:52]]
What does it look like to “wait for one another” in a church or community setting? How is this different from just being polite or patient? [[54:00]]
The sermon mentions that waiting is not passive, but an active spiritual discipline. What might be some ways that waiting can actually change us or help us grow? [[01:02:54]]
In the story of Mike and Jared, how did patient friendship lead to healing and a sense of belonging? What does this teach us about the power of community? [[01:14:54]]

Application Questions

Think about a time when you were in a hurry and someone else needed you to slow down or wait for them. How did you respond? Is there someone in your life right now who needs you to “wait” for them, either emotionally or practically? What would it look like to do that this week? [[54:00]]
The sermon says that “waiting for one another is a spiritual discipline that forms us into Christ’s likeness.” What is one area of your life where you struggle to be patient with others? What is one small step you could take to practice patience in that area this week? [[01:02:54]]
Communion is described as a time to “discern the body”—to recognize the needs and hurts of those around us. Is there someone in your church or community who might feel left out or overlooked? How could you reach out to them and make them feel included? [[56:52]]
The story of Mike and Jared shows the importance of persistent, patient friendship. Is there a relationship in your life that needs more patience or understanding? What is one thing you could do to show that person you are willing to “wait” for them? [[01:14:54]]
The sermon suggests reframing waiting as an opportunity for prayer, gratitude, or mindfulness. Next time you find yourself waiting (in line, for a friend, etc.), what is one specific thing you could do to turn that time into something positive or prayerful? [[01:06:04]]
The early church in Corinth struggled with divisions and leaving people out. Are there ways our own church or small group might unintentionally do the same? What changes could we make to be more welcoming and inclusive? [[01:00:17]]
The pastor said, “God waits for us… God is infinitely patient.” How does knowing that God is patient with you change the way you think about being patient with others? [[01:03:36]]

Sermon Clips

And so an unworthy manner would be a manner that's very individualistic, where it's like, I don't care about anyone else who's a part of the body. It's just me and Jesus, right? But discerning the body for Paul meant understanding our relationship with Jesus, but also our relationship with each other, with the others in the body of Christ. And so we had to know, how is my relationship with the others in this body? And if my relationship is struggling, then I need to figure out what I need to do. [00:57:17] (35 seconds) #LiveLoveLead

Again, it's that connection between what we say and do in here and our ethical, our moral behavior outside of the church. And so when we come in here and we take the body of blood into our hearts and our lives and our bodies, then when we leave this place, we need to continue to live that wonderful love that we have taken into ourselves. And so it's this reminder that what happens in here shapes us and molds us for how we live our lives in everyday life. And so it's a beautiful connection between the communion and what happens in our lives. [00:59:00] (45 seconds) #WaitWithHope

And so what would happen is the rich would come early to the dinner because they didn't need to work, right? Or they could take off of work. And so they would come early, they would have the bread, they would give thanks and they would break the bread, and then they'd eat all the food that was at the dinner. So that when the poor finally came after work, they just had scraps and leftovers. And then they had missed part of the ritual of beginning of communion. And so Paul was like, this doesn't work. This doesn't work. You can't be a part of the body of Christ and leave people out like that. [01:00:17] (40 seconds) #PatienceTransforms

Or we can wait with a sense of expectation and hope. We can wait with a sense of wondering what God is going to do in that moment. Sue Monk Kidd, in her book, When the Heart Waits, talks about the fact that when we wait, we're not doing nothing. God is at work in our souls, helping us become the best person that God created us to be who reflects the image of Christ. And now I want you to think about this. If we're going to reflect the image of God, the image of Christ, doesn't God wait for us? [01:02:57] (46 seconds) #NeverAlone

How many times have we taken to learn a lesson and yet God waits for us? God is infinitely patient and waits for us to learn our lesson. Even if we do the same thing over and over and over again, God's like, it's okay. You can do it again. I'm going to wait. And so God invites us to join that part of God's character by waiting for each other, by being patient with each other. One of the reasons that people who wait aren't as lonely is because you learn to put up with kind of the faults of others. [01:03:44] (38 seconds) #RoyaltyInChrist

And when you learn to put up with their faults, you learn to accept your own faults. You become far more empathetic. Scripture says that when we wait, we renew our strength so that we would mount up with wings like eagles and run and not be weary and walk and not faint. And so there's beauty beauty in this sense of waiting. But waiting can be so hard. It is so funny to me to go to the grocery store or, you know, to go out into any of the shops and how people will just, you know, they want to get in front. [01:04:22] (37 seconds)

Do you want to have lunch with me? I don't have anyone to have lunch with. And Mike's like, okay. And so he had lunch with him, and he said, every single day, Jared would wait for Mike. And he said, you know, over time, I started thinking, you know, what is with this guy? Why is he waiting for me? But he said, then I started realizing maybe he likes me. He said, I have been so used to being a problem to be solved instead of a human being to be loved. [01:11:11] (34 seconds)

But he went into an inpatient treatment center and who came and visited him every single day. Jared would show up. He said he was almost like a puppy. He just kept showing up all the time. And he was always so happy and joyful. And he was like, look, you know, Mike, you're getting better. This is awesome. And he said, Jared finally taught me how to be a friend. He said, when I got out and I returned to my apartment, he said, I started looking around and realizing that I did need to wait for Jared because Jared waited for me to become the person God wanted me to be. [01:14:06] (41 seconds)

And he taught me how to be a friend. And he taught me how to have community and build community. And he helped me feel like I belonged. He said, I am so grateful that Jared waited for me every single lunch all of the time because that waiting helped me become who God wanted me to be. And that's what happens when we wait for each other. We give each other that amazing gift of space to grow, of love that says, I see you, I see your struggles, I love you, and I will not leave you. [01:14:47] (39 seconds)

And so now I pray that you all would go knowing that you are royalty. You are children of the King. Go allowing that love then to flow through you into others so that the world will see that we not only wait for one another, we wait for them so that one day we can all experience that amazing love and grace through Jesus our Lord. Amen. [01:20:37] (29 seconds)

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