Choosing to Draw Near

By Javier & Alba

As we draw closer to God, we also learn to walk more closely with one another.

Some gatherings, without grand celebrations or extraordinary occasions, leave a lasting impression on our hearts. This week, we experienced one of those moments at Semillas de Esperanza. We came together to share a meal, enjoy one another’s company, and open the Scriptures as a community. Around a simple table, we recognized something beautiful that is gradually taking shape among us: we are learning what it means to become a family. Proverbs 15:17 reminds us that a simple meal shared in love is far better than a lavish feast where harmony is absent. What profound wisdom lies in those words! The true richness of a table is not measured by the abundance of food upon it, but by the love shared among those gathered around it. The conversations, the trust that deepens with each encounter, and the joy of being together remind us that God strengthens His people through ordinary moments that, almost without our noticing, become treasured memories.

During our special Bible study, we shared a reflection that brought deeper meaning to our time together: “Seeking God Is a Choice.” Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us that we will find the Lord when we seek Him with all our hearts, while James 4:8 invites us to draw near to God with the beautiful promise that He will draw near to us. These passages remind us of a vital truth: our relationship with God cannot be left to the mercy of circumstances, whatever time remains in our busy schedules, or the passing emotions of the moment. Faith must be lovingly nurtured, nourished by His Word, and strengthened through intentional choices that reveal where our hearts truly belong. And something wonderful happens as we walk this path: the more room we make for God's presence in our lives, the more attentive we become to the needs of those around us. We learn to listen with patience, to offer encouragement when it is needed most, and to recognize that spiritual maturity is reflected not only in what we believe, but also in how we love and care for one another.

In Romans 16, we discover a beautiful portrait of faith lived out in community. Paul speaks with gratitude of Priscilla and Aquila, whose home became a gathering place for the church, and he also acknowledges the generous hospitality of Gaius. Behind those names were people who understood that following Jesus meant opening not only the doors of their homes, but also the doors of their hearts. Centuries later, that same invitation remains alive. What we are building together at Semillas de Esperanza reminds us that a congregation grows stronger not simply as more people join, but as genuine affection deepens, mutual care flourishes, and hearts become willing to walk through life together. Perhaps one of the most precious blessings of our gathering was recognizing that when we choose to draw closer to God, one of the beautiful gifts we receive is the opportunity to grow closer to one another. May the Lord continue to guide us as we build a community where no one feels like a stranger, where there is always room for one more, and where every person finds not only wisdom to strengthen their faith, but also the warmth of an embrace that reminds them they belong.

With Love and Gratitude,

Javier Castellanos and Alba Rojas