Strengthening Your Grip
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In the April 18, 2021 class “Strengthening Your Grip,” Shelby Krider opened with a warm greeting about Idaho’s beautiful weather and the challenges of pandemic fatigue. She emphasized the importance of staying connected, keeping faith, and relying on God’s provision while the congregation navigated a season of masks and limited outings. Krider shared a personal anecdote about a neighbor’s surprise bouquet, using it to illustrate how simple acts of kindness embody the love Christ calls believers to demonstrate. The core teaching focused on defining Christian love as an intentional, self‑sacrificial commitment to seek the very best for one another. Krider highlighted that love requires us to avoid gossip, refrain from harming speech, and actively encourage one another. She invited participants to share personal testimonies of how the church family had shown love, especially during a recent loss in a member’s family. The discussion reinforced that love and encouragement are powerful tools God gives the church to build up its members, reflecting the biblical mandate to love one another as a testimony to the world.