My husband and I really missed attending church during the pandemic. We hardly went out except for shopping or errands, so church was our way to see friends, to associate with other believers and to get spiritually fed. In my devotional on Sunday, I read a quotation that I want to share with you that made me think deeply about the motivation for attending church.
The question we should ask is not ‘What am I getting out of church?’, but ‘What am I giving out at church?’ They did not come just to receive but also to help others.~Nicky Gumbel, One Year Bible, August 21, 2022
Giving instead of getting is an awesome responsibility, but it is the real reason to attend church or to meet with other believers.
If we meet together with an attitude of encouraging each other, then we end up being encouraged ourselves.
The hearts of the believers in the first church were happy just to be meeting together. This gives me reason to think. Is church a chore or duty or is it the place where I am happy and I am there to spread happiness to others?
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 
“If we meet together with an attitude of encouraging each other, then we end up being encouraged ourselves.”- Exactly! At church, giving and receiving are intertwined – a taste of heaven. ❤ 🙂
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If we meet with an attitude of encouraging each other, then we end up being encouraged- that is so true Vickie. I think we tend to make the mistake of thinking what we can receive out of church rather than going with the attitude of giving.
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Exactly my point. Too many times we go to church to be blessed instead of to be a blessing.
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Amen 🙏🏽 when I remember why we are called to fellowship with each other, then church would fulfill its purpose
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Excellent post Vickie! Totally agree with the attitude of encouraging others!
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Thank you, Stu.
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