“Love people” is the second part of our mission statement. 

This is also taken from Matthew 22.   

After Jesus let everyone know that loving God was the most important thing anyone could ever do, he continued with these words in verse 39, “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (NIV) 

Again, this is so obvious when you stop and think about it, but it’s remarkable how few of us make developing relationships with other Christians a priority in our lives. 

But at Southside, we don’t think it’s healthy for any Christian to live their life in isolation.   And not only that, we view it as part of the mission of this church to encourage the very kind of community that the early church had. 

As you read the Book of Acts, you can’t help but notice that the earliest Christians did life together. 

They didn’t just shake hands and sing a fellowship chorus every week, and consider that community.   They opened up their lives to each other.  They made commitments to each other.  They shared meals together.  They cared deeply for one another.  They even made sacrifices for each other.  

And you need to make loving people a priority in your life because you need some brothers and sisters who will do life with you, people you can share joy and laughter with, people who will be there when the tears won’t stop and the hurt won’t go away.   And not only that, but those people need you too! 

So, if you’re in our church or any church for that matter, and you’re not in community, I beg you to jump in and see join the rest of us who have realized the value of true, biblical fellowship. 

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