This reflection was inspired by Leah’s message at The Gathering on Sunday.

At the deepest level of our being, we long to be seen, known, and embraced with joy. This longing isn’t a flaw—it’s our design. We were made for communion. We were made for love.

But not just any love. Scripture uses the Hebrew word Hesed — a word that means loyal, covenant love. It’s the kind of love that says, “I’m with you. I won’t let go. You belong.”

In The Other Half of Church, Jim Wilder describes hesed as the relational glue that binds healthy spiritual families. It’s not performance-based. It’s not earned. It’s the love that transforms us—not through fear or shame, but through joy-filled connection.

And that kind of love? It comes straight from the heart of God.

The Trinity: A Table of Fellowship

Before there was sin or shame or striving, there was relationship.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God…” (John 1:1)

That word with is pros in the Greek—meaning face-to-face, oriented toward. It speaks of deep, joyful communion. From before time began, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit shared this divine, face-to-face fellowship.

And here’s the good news: you were made for that circle.

Jesus didn’t come just to forgive sin. He came to bring us back to the table.

Back into union.
Back into belonging.
Back into joy.

“This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3)

Reclaiming the Good News

Somewhere along the way, we lost the plot. We began to tell the story of a God who turns His face away. We preached fear instead of love, separation instead of union. But the truth is, we’ve been reconciled. The only distance is in our own perception.

"God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“He came looking for the treasure hidden in the field—and He paid full price to bring us home." (Matthew 13:44)

Communion: A New Covenant of Belonging

At the Last Supper, Jesus changed the Passover prayers. He took the bread and the wine and said, “This is My body… This is My blood… a new covenant.”

He was rewriting the story.

• The bread once called the bread of affliction? He called it His body, given in love.
• The cup once about remembering Egypt? He called it redemption for the world.

He didn’t just tell us about union—He offered it.

Face-to-face fellowship.
A seat at the table.
The Gospel of belonging.

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Join Us at The Gathering

If this stirs something in your heart—welcome. This is the kind of community we’re building here in Colorado Springs. It’s not about performance or perfection. It’s about Presence. Communion. Joy. And hesed love that holds us together.

We gather every Sunday at The Gathering, and we’re starting groups for women (The Grove), young adults, kids (The Vine), and more.

Live in Colorado Springs? Come worship with us: Sundays at 10:00 AM
Colorado Springs Christian School (CSCS) – Chapel
4845 Mallow Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Looking for a church in Colorado Springs? We’d love to meet you.

Want to start something similar where you live?
We’d love to connect. Explore our community or email us at info@the-gathering.us.

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Reflection Questions

Use these for personal prayer or discussion with a group:

• When have you experienced hesed — that joyful, committed love — in your life?
• How has your understanding of the Gospel shifted over time?
• What would it mean for you to live from union instead of striving?
• Who in your life needs to be reminded of their belovedness?

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With joy,
Leah Ramirez & Chris Berglund
📍 The Gathering | Colorado Springs
📧 info@the-gathering.us