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When Everybody Doesn''t Know Your Name

When Everybody Doesn’t Know Your Name. Acts 2.42-47

When I was a girl, I grew up in a huge Colonial Revival home—more than a hundred years old. I loved grabbing a pillow and lying next to the heater; it seemed the safest, most lovely place in my world.

Now this may seem odd, but for many years now, I have the same comforting feeling when I read the end of Acts chapter two. I truly wish I could have been a part of the first Christian community. It was close-knit, it was love and warmth. Take a look: All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2.42-47

Indeed the early church was community at its finest.
God meant for his children to experience this kind of togetherness and belonging; we just are not meant to ‘go it’ alone in this life. Plus, it seems to me that everyone wants to belong somewhere, or to someone.
So, do you have that space where ‘everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came’? I do, and I want it for you.

There are explanations why we find ourselves on the outside looking in:
~We do not have access; there are no groups in our area in which we can participate
~We do not have availability because we are working full time or caretaking, etc.
~We do not really understand its value; somehow, we have missed it
But sometimes we are not part of an intimate community because
~We have blocks inside us –
We have been hurt by the people and dynamics in groups
We isolate because of our own woundedness.
Whether or not we are cognizant of it, our wounds are oft-times scabbed over by un-forgiveness we carry around in our person.
You and I must seek to get healing for woundedness within, including unforgiveness or bitterness we carry. Here’s the thing:
seeking healing is critical to good health—
physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.
“Always remember that our hurt feelings will only heal after we have made the appropriate faith choices to forgive and release that other person. Not before.”1
“Many women have written me about the horrible sexual abuse they received as children . . . ‘Making the choice to do what God wants even when I don't feel like it, has helped me tremendously.’ I didn't know you don't have to feel willing, but just be willing!" And no matter what, we all have to be obedient.1

Henri Nouwen’s writing on belonging, healing, and loving has really impacted me.

“To forgive another person from the heart is an act of liberation. We set that person free from the negative bonds that exist between us. We say, “I no longer hold your offense against you” But there is more. We also free ourselves from the burden of being the “offended one.” As long as we do not forgive those who have wounded us, we carry them with us or, worse, pull them as a heavy load. The great temptation is to cling in anger to our enemies and then define ourselves as being offended and wounded by them. Forgiveness, therefore, liberates not only the other but also ourselves. It is the way to the freedom of the children of God.”2

Forgiveness is commanded of Jesus. We say it every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer/the Our Father: ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’.

So it doesn’t matter if you feel it, you must offer it of yourself with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Then, and only then can you begin to heal.

And then you will be freed up to look for and participate in that place, that community, where everybody knows your name.

1 – Nancy Misler, Unconditionally Forgiving Others, KHouse
2 – Henri Nouwen, The Wounded Healer

When Everybody Doesn''t Know Your Name

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