I know what I believe. The 28 Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are an incredible blessing to me personally. But for me, the real strength of these beliefs comes through their expression in the community of my faith. Many of the members of my local church allow me into their lives as their friend. I have opened my life up to them and it is in the relationship we have developed together that I find an incredible strength for my faith. Without the people of my church and the friends of my faith, I would not likely be a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. Doctrine alone does not establish a sufficient faith.

Life cannot be lived without a measure of tragedy and crisis; I have had my share. I happen to be a member of a Sabbath school class where I feel free to share my struggles with others. Occasionally, they share with me some of their difficulties. Without a place where I could go and feel safe to just sit and be a mess in the face of such tragedy, I’m not sure how I would get along. I’m not sure that just knowing what I believe would provide the strength I need for life. The real moral strength of our beliefs as Seventh-day Adventists comes in the lived relationships we have with others. In little and large church groups we form the true strength of faith for our sometimes difficult lives.

The apostle Paul wanted us to understand this. As I read Paul’s books it is clear that he had his share of tragedy and crisis. It is also clear that Paul had very strong convictions about doctrinal belief, but I would venture a guess it was his relationship with others that gave him strength for day-to-day living. He said this in Col. 3:12-14: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Please don’t imagine that any of this strength of faith could come through people alone. Jesus himself is behind every friendly greeting, happy hello, or sad tale of tragedy. It is through each other that we encounter Jesus Himself.