I Love My Church: Loving the Bride Jesus Died For

As we kicked off our new series I Love My Church, Jord challenged us with a simple but confronting statement: it is biblical to love your church. Not in a prideful or exclusive way — but in a committed, relational, Christ-centred way.

This message invited us to rediscover what the church really is, why Jesus gave His life for her, and how easily religion can blur what was always meant to be about relationship.

1. Loving the Church Is Loving What Jesus Loves

In John 21, Jesus asks Peter a powerful question: “Do you love me?” — and then responds, “Feed my sheep.” Jesus connects love for Him directly with care for His people.

The church isn’t an “it.”She is described in Scripture as a bride — living, breathing, growing. And loving the church isn’t about comparison or arrogance. It’s like loving your spouse: you love your church while honouring the wider body of Christ.

If this is where you are fed, known, and planted — then this is your responsibility to love, protect, and build.

2. Jesus Didn’t Die for Religion — He Died for Relationship

One of the strongest themes in Jord’s message was the distinction between religion and relationship. Religion, at its root, means returning to bondage — and that was never Jesus’ intention.

Jesus didn’t suffer, die, and rise again so we could tick boxes, perform well, or earn status. He came to restore relationship with God, not build systems of control.

Whenever faith becomes more about performance than presence, or rules more than relationship, religion has crept in — and it always damages the bride.

3. Religion Focuses on the Outside — Jesus Transforms the Heart

Jord highlighted how religion obsesses over the external: appearances, behaviour, language, buildings, and position. But Jesus consistently confronts this mindset.

In Luke 18, the self-righteous Pharisee is exposed, while the humble tax collector — aware of his need for a Saviour — is the one justified.

Real transformation doesn’t start with looking right.

It starts with surrendered hearts.

The church is not a showroom for perfect people — it’s a home for people being changed by grace.

4. The Church Is a Work in Progress — and Worth Fighting For

Ephesians 5 describes the church as a bride being prepared — not yet finished, but deeply loved. Jesus is actively cleansing and shaping her through His Word.

At Freedom Church Worcester, our vision is simple: to be the church Jesus called us to be — rooted in Scripture, uncompromising in truth, and anchored in relationship rather than religion.

We don’t chase perfection.

We pursue faithfulness.

And that’s why we can boldly say: I love my church.

A Final Reflection

Loving the church doesn’t mean ignoring her flaws — it means committing to her future.

Jesus loved the church enough to give His life for her.

And He invites us to love her with the same heart — not through religion, but through relationship.