Missing church can leave some feeling disconnected, but what does the Bible say about gathering with other believers? Scripture emphasizes the importance of fellowship, worship, and community, encouraging believers to meet regularly to support and uplift one another in their faith journey.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Gluttony
What Does The Bible Say About Missing Church
Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
This verse emphasizes the importance of not neglecting to gather together as believers. It encourages us to come together regularly to exhort and encourage one another, especially as we anticipate the return of Christ.
Missing church can lead to a lack of spiritual accountability and missed opportunities for fellowship and growth. It is important to prioritize attending church and be actively involved in the body of Christ.
Psalm 122:1
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.
This verse expresses the joy and gladness that comes from being in the presence of God with fellow believers. It reflects the anticipation and excitement we should have when going to the house of the Lord.
Attending church provides an opportunity for worship, learning, and fellowship, which can renew and refresh our spirits. It is a time to come together as the body of Christ and be filled with gladness in His presence.
Acts 2:42
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
This verse highlights the commitment of the early believers to the teachings of the apostles, fellowship with one another, partaking in the Lord’s Supper, and prayer. These are fundamental aspects of the church.
When we miss church, we miss out on the opportunity to grow in our understanding of God’s Word and to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is essential to be part of a faith community where we can learn, worship, and serve together.
Psalm 63:1
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.
This verse conveys a deep longing and thirst for God’s presence. It emphasizes the desire to seek and worship God with fervency and dedication.
By missing church, we may miss out on the opportunity to quench our spiritual thirst and find nourishment for our souls. Regularly attending church provides an environment where we can draw near to God, experience His presence, and be spiritually refreshed.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
This verse encourages believers to comfort and encourage one another, building each other up in faith. It emphasizes the importance of being together to provide support and strength.
When we miss church, we may miss the comfort and edification that comes from being surrounded by fellow believers who can offer encouragement, prayer, and support during challenging times. Attending church allows us to strengthen and be strengthened by the body of Christ.
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
This verse illustrates the impact of relationships and interactions between believers. Just as iron sharpens iron, we can sharpen and refine one another through our interactions and friendships.
Missing church means missing out on the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange insights, and receive godly wisdom from fellow believers. Being part of a faith community helps us grow and mature in our faith through these relationships.
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Jesus promises His presence when believers gather together in His name. This verse underscores the spiritual significance and power of corporate worship and fellowship.
By missing church, we may miss the unique experience of encountering the manifest presence of God in the midst of other believers. It is in these gatherings that we find a special connection with God and receive His blessings and guidance.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
This verse encourages believers to allow the Word of Christ to dwell richly within them, leading to wisdom and understanding. It also highlights the importance of teaching, admonishing, and expressing worship through songs.
Missing church means missing the opportunity to receive sound biblical teaching and guidance that helps us grow spiritually and navigate life’s challenges. It also means missing the collective worship that uplifts our hearts and glorifies God in unity.
Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
This verse calls for everything that has breath to praise the Lord. It expresses the universal invitation for all believers to worship and exalt God.
Attending church allows us to come together and join our voices in praise and worship. It is a time to collectively express our gratitude, adoration, and awe for God. By missing church, we may miss out on the opportunity to engage in the corporate worship that honors and magnifies the Lord.
Psalm 100:4
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
This verse encourages us to approach God’s presence with gratitude and praise. It teaches us to express thankfulness to Him and bless His name.
Attending church provides a dedicated space and time to enter into God’s presence with a heart of thanksgiving and praise. It is an opportunity to align our hearts with gratitude and worship, acknowledging God’s goodness and faithfulness. Missing church means missing the chance to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving in the corporate setting of worship.
1 Corinthians 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
This verse highlights the concept of believers forming the body of Christ, with each member having a unique role and function.
By missing church, we may miss out on the opportunity to fulfill our role and contribute to the body of Christ. Each believer has valuable gifts, perspectives, and contributions that are meant to edify and benefit the entire body. Attending church allows us to actively participate and serve within the context of the body of Christ.
Proverbs 19:20
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
This verse emphasizes the importance of listening to wise counsel and receiving instruction. It encourages a teachable spirit in order to gain wisdom and understanding.
Missing church means missing out on the opportunity to receive godly counsel and instruction. In the corporate setting of church, we have access to wise leaders and mentors who can provide guidance and impart wisdom for our lives. Attending church allows us to be open to learning and growing through these valuable interactions.
1 Corinthians 14:26
How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
This verse describes the diverse contributions and gifts that believers bring when they gather together. It emphasizes the importance of edification and building up one another.
By missing church, we may miss out on the opportunity to share our own insights, teachings, spiritual gifts, and revelations with the body of Christ. Attending church allows us to contribute to the spiritual growth and maturity of others while also receiving edification from fellow believers.
Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
This verse stresses the influence and impact of the company we keep. It suggests that we should surround ourselves with wise individuals in order to cultivate wisdom.
Missing church means missing the opportunity to walk alongside and learn from wise and spiritually mature believers. Being in the company of fellow believers who exemplify wisdom and godliness can positively influence and shape our own character. Attending church provides the space to foster these meaningful relationships.
Romans 12:4-5
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
This verse teaches the unity and interconnectedness of believers as members of the body of Christ, each with unique functions and roles.
When we miss church, we may miss the experience and reminder of our unity in Christ. Attending church allows us to be part of a community where we can support and serve one another, recognizing that we are all integral parts of the body of Christ.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
This verse affirms the divine inspiration and profitability of Scripture for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
By missing church, we may miss out on the opportunity to receive biblical teaching and instruction that helps us grow in our faith and equips us for every good work. Attending church allows us to engage with God’s Word in a corporate setting, providing a deeper understanding and application of Scripture.
Proverbs 27:9
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
This verse draws a parallel between the joy that comes from oil and perfume and the sweetness that comes from a friend’s earnest counsel.
By missing church, we may miss the opportunity to receive earnest counsel, guidance, and support from our fellow believers. Attending church provides a context for us to build deep and meaningful relationships with other believers who can offer wisdom, encouragement, and advice during challenging times.
1 Peter 4:10
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
This verse highlights the responsibility of believers to use their gifts to serve and minister to one another, being good stewards of God’s grace.
By missing church, we may miss out on the opportunities to use our gifts and talents to bless and edify the body of Christ. Attending church allows us to actively participate in the ministry, serving others and fulfilling our God-given calling as members of His kingdom.
1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
This verse emphasizes the significance of showing love to one another as a way to manifest the presence of God and complete His love within us.
By missing church, we may miss the opportunity to practice and experience God’s love in action within the community of believers. Attending church allows us to participate in acts of love and service, fostering a tangible expression of God’s love and grace towards one another.
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
This verse encourages believers to support and help carry the burdens of one another, thus fulfilling the law of Christ.
When we miss church, we may miss out on the opportunity to actively bear the burdens of our fellow believers, offering comfort, encouragement, and practical assistance. Attending church allows us to come alongside others in their time of need, demonstrating Christ’s love and care through our actions.
Ephesians 4:11-12
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
This verse highlights the various roles and ministries within the body of Christ, which are meant to equip the saints for the work of ministry and edify the entire body.
By missing church, we may miss out on the equipping and edification that comes from the different ministries operating within the church. Attending church provides an environment where believers can receive teaching, guidance, and support from pastors, teachers, and other leaders who are called to equip and edify the body of Christ.
Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
This verse emphasizes the goodness and pleasantness of dwelling together in unity as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Missing church means missing out on the opportunity to experience the unity and bond of fellowship within the body of Christ. Attending church allows us to witness and participate in the beauty and joy that comes from being united with fellow believers, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual family.
Attending church is not simply a religious obligation or a mere routine; it is an opportunity to actively participate in the life of the body of Christ. The Bible teaches us the importance of coming together, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves as believers. By gathering in the house of the Lord, we engage in worship, receive teaching, find comfort and encouragement, grow in our faith, and build meaningful relationships with fellow believers. Attending church allows us to experience the tangible presence of God, edification from fellow believers, and the opportunity to serve and be served. It is through the regular fellowship and worship in a faith community that our spiritual lives are enriched and strengthened. Therefore, let us prioritize the gathering of believers and make attending church a significant part of our lives.