The nature of the Lord’s church (by definition and by design) is to be an assembling people, who “come together as a church…in one place” (1 Cor. 11:18, 20). Rather than view that merely as a “requirement,” children of God ought to share the heart of the hymnist Joseph Swain, who wrote of “How sweet, how heavenly” it is when God’s people “delight” in each other’s presence.
Some folks miss assembling often, while others don’t miss as often. But, can I share with you what you miss when you do miss? You miss warm hugs. You miss gentle handshakes. You miss looking a sister in the eye and seeing her smile. You miss sitting next to someone who loves you because of Jesus. You miss hearing the beautiful singing voices around you, while you blend your singing for them to hear as well. You miss the sense of belonging and family. You miss being an encouragement to others just by your presence. You miss how much it means when you are here. Nothing is as good as or can replace what you miss.
When you miss, oh, how deeply you are missed!