by Noel Santiago
In these days of transition and reflection across our Mosaic community, Hebrews 10:24 gently invites us to “consider how we might stir one another toward love and good works.” This call reminds us that even amid uncertainty, we are invited to notice, support, and encourage one another.
We recognize that recent decisions regarding community life and ministry directions have stirred a wide range of feelings, including grief, anger, and confusion for some, and peace or renewed direction for others. Wherever we find ourselves, God’s Spirit meets us in honesty and love.
Scripture reminds us that our first calling is to stay rooted in Jesus and to be present with one another in care. Simple acts such as listening deeply, offering a word of encouragement, or sharing a meal can embody this presence.
In this context of varied emotions, because of Jesus, we have a “new and living way” into God’s presence, a way marked by grace rather than fear and by mercy rather than striving. In times of uncertainty, we are invited again to draw near, resting, listening, and being renewed in God’s presence. Participating in shared prayer, small group reflection, or quiet moments of attentiveness to one another are ways we can practice this nearness.
From this closeness flows our capacity to love. To “consider one another” means slowing down enough to truly see and know each other, listening to the joys and burdens that shape our shared life. This attentiveness nurtures us as a faith family, helping us serve, witness, and grow together in empathy, patience, and mutual encouragement.
As we continue forward, may we choose to be a people who encourage, challenge, and bless each other in love. While the world often amplifies division, we have the gift of practicing reconciliation, patience, and hope together through conversations, acts of service, and gentle presence in each other’s lives.
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant us the grace to live in such harmony that, with one voice, we glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15:5–6).
Noel Santiago
Noel Santiago is the Leadership Minister for Missional Transformation for Mosaic Conference.
Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To contact Noel Santiago, please email nsantiago@mosaicmennonites.org.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)