October 28, 2025
Hello, Beloved.
A friend said to me recently, “In Genesis, Adam and Eve hid behind trees and fig leaves. We do the same, hiding behind fear-based walls, anxiety-based illusions, or performance-based personas.” But Paul says: We don’t have to hide anymore. We are hidden in Christ—safe, secure, and sealed in His love (Colossians 3:3). I want to offer us today a snapshot of what it means to be truly seen and to stop hiding.
When we live hidden in Christ, rather than hiding from Him and one another, something powerful happens: our relationships begin to heal. Instead of masking our fears or pretending we have it all together, we can show up as our new selves, clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12).
As we heal, our relationships move beyond surface-level conversations. Did you know that there are multiple layers of communication, ranging from simple to complex and vulnerable? They are: clichés (“How are you?” “Good!”), facts, opinions, and hopes and dreams. However, it is the deeper layers, including emotions, fears, and needs, where genuine connection occurs. It’s there that we move from being polite to also being present.
Jesus modeled this kind of relational depth with His disciples.
In John 14:1, He sees their fear and says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” He validates their fear and meets them with empathy.
In John 14:27, He soothes their uncertainty: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” He offers comfort and security.
In John 14:18 and 15:4, He secures their belonging: “I will not leave you as orphans… Remain in me.”
This is what love looks like: seeing, soothing, and creating a sense of safety in all aspects— relational, emotional, physical, and spiritual.
This week, I encourage you to take two simple steps to live from the hidden place to the healed place:
Pragmatic Step: Identify one person you need to forgive, one relational habit to change, and one opportunity to build unity. Be intentional and specific. Taking small steps can heal large wounds.
Contemplative Step: Spend time in Colossians 1-3. Read slowly. Listen for what the Spirit highlights. Confess where you’ve hidden. Thank Him for His grace. Ask for the strength to live your new, Christ-centered self as defined by King Jesus.
Gateway, let’s move from hiding behind walls and choose to remain steadfast in our abiding in Christ. In our relationship with Jesus and others, we can be fully seen, deeply soothed, and eternally safe.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… and whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:15, 17
May the Lord Jesus and His peace be upon you!
GATEWAY EVENTS: Click here.
WHERE TO ENGAGE:
Gateway Groups (a community where you can experience, be family, and share the love of Jesus with others)
SUNDAY SERVICE:
Loving Jesus Wholeheartedly: The Test of Relationships — Entire Service or Teaching Only
CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT:
Giving Report: (*weekly income needed $22,500)
October 5: $21,285.09
October 12: $14,285.58
October 19: $18,454.55
October 26: $17,278,23
Greater Things YTD 2025: $59,409.47
Current Mortgage Balance: $396,579.48
Click here to learn more about Greater Things (our accelerated mortgage elimination commitment) and participate.
Stay hopeful and healthy. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Transforming Lives Together,
Lance and Darlene Bane
Lead Pastor
Phone: 203-934-0880
Email: office@yourgateway.com