My wife and I were talking recently about the role the church plays in our lives.

“Why do you go to church,” I asked.

She was quiet for awhile, then took some time to write out her response. Here it is:

“Jesus is the heart of every human.

“Where He sees good, Satan sees a prize. Temptation is the Devil’s tool. The scars on Jesus’ hands are for our salvation. All we are asked to do is simply love God, our Father, and one another.

“I go to church to pay homage to my Father God and my Lord Jesus, for this heart that beats with love for my family and friends and neighbors.

“Peace comes from knowing that a time will come when I will go home and rest for eternity with my Creator.

“When I go to church, I truly pray that anyone I’ve hurt in this life forgives me, for I have forgiven all the pains, sorrows, and hurts I’ve suffered. Filling space in the sanctuary does give me peace — and, yes, God is in my heart!”

May the peace of God’s church — the fellowship and love of a committed, godly community — be with you today.