Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 1 Peter 3:8 (KJV)

North Greenville College is a long way in my past. The memories of those campus days are still fresh and precious. For a time a group of us preacher boys (I was twenty-six) met in the post office every evening at 9 for Bible study and prayer. We sat on the floor and opened our Bibles and our hearts to God’s teaching.

As the years roll by we each have fond memories of times at church. It could be a Sunday School class, maybe Vacation Bible School, perhaps Sunday night youth meetings. Some of you may remember a weeklong revival that each night brought Heaven a little closer.

There was a sad story today on the Oprah website. (I found the link on the New York Times page.) The woman writing told of her parent’s great faith and of her own doubt and inability to believe. She wanted to but there were just so many scientific and logic reasons not to believe. None of her friends were believers but laughed at the idea of believing in God.

"Be ye of one mind – love as brethren". The phrases speak of connection with others – others who believe. Jesus said, "Where two or more are gathered in my name I am in the midst of them." It can be said that Jesus is the uniting force of faith and love for one another. How very alone we would be without others who believe as we do. The doubts would get the better of us.

Those precious memories of being with others will wilt like summer flowers if we neglect the assembling of ourselves together. He is our life and our bond. Amen!