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Sibling in Christ,
What are the true riches of your life?
In a world that measures wealth in dollars, possessions, and accomplishments, Jesus offers us a very different vision of what it means to be rich. In this Easter season, as we continue to encounter the risen Christ, we discover that the riches of God’s kingdom are not things—but relationships.
On the shore in John 21, the risen Jesus meets Peter—not with condemnation for his denial, but with restoration. Three times Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” And with each answer, Jesus entrusts Peter with a calling: “Feed my sheep.” What a powerful reminder that love for Christ and love for others are inseparable. The relationship is restored, and then immediately sent outward in care, service, and community.
Paul echoes this in Galatians 5, where the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are all deeply relational. These are not abstract virtues; they are the lived expression of Christ’s life within us, shaping how we show up with one another, especially in a world that so often feels fractured and distant
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At Emmanuel, we are continually being invited deeper into these kingdom relationships—with Christ and with each other. Whether it’s through worship, small groups, serving together, or simply taking the time to truly see and listen to one another, God is building something rich among us—not in things, but in people bound together in Christ’s love.
I invite you to reflect this week: Where might Christ be restoring a relationship in your life? Where might He be calling you to “feed His sheep”—to show love, patience, or kindness in a tangible way?
These are the riches that last. These are the riches of God's kingdom.
In the love of the risen Christ,
Pastor Will
P.S. I’d love to hear from you—where have you seen the “fruit of the Spirit” show up in your relationships lately?
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