I believe the church must be known for its love and sense of belonging.
Where people don't just show up, but know they belong in all aspects (gathering, learning, serving), or if just searching sense they are invited to belong.
But how does this really work? I've been thinking about this for years now, and the biggest struggle is facilitating connections b/w people that are 1. different from each other by nature, 2. live in different parts of the city, 3. varry in life stage (single, married, married with kids, married with older kids, even close to empty nesting), 4. are caught up in a busy culture that demands lots of time.
Last night we spent some time praying around a few biblical texts and quotes that stretch us in this area. We all realized that we want to live out the fullness of these texts while we struggle to do so b/c of how we've been shaped: either by how we've grown up or b/c we live in a culture of individualism. As you read them, maybe you can pray with us - for you - and for us too. I want to participate in a community that is known by love - growing and serving in the context of relationships. I can't say we're not doing this at all; but it seems the scriptures call out much more from us in this area.
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. [1 Peter 4:8-10, NLT]
Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. … Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody. [Romans 12:11-16, The Message]
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them…. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other…. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. [Romans 12:9,11,13, NLT]
Community is the place God made for us. Community is the place where God meets us.
…The work of building community is the noblest work a person can do.
... We complicate our faith and lives in many ways, but at the core, our purpose is simple: we are called to love. (John Ortberg)
2 comments:
These are penetrating verses. People care for each other but often it is at a distance. If we get too close it gets too messy. Maybe that is not true. Maybe what is more true is that it takes too much time and we have other priorities. Proper priorities are good but if we don't exhibit the things scripture talk about then maybe we need to examine our priorities. Not that they are wrong but maybe they need adjustment. When was the last time I showed love to a nobody?
Maybe we find it hard to trust the scriptures, or the authority of Jesus' teachings. I know it runs against my natural inclination at times. In trust, I mean, do we believe by following them our lives will be better for it; that the life we're called to live is towards fulness and life to the fullest.
Messy? relationships always are to a certain degree. If we shy away from them we also might lose out on the richness they provide. Farmers get dirty all day long, but styaing away from the dirt would never produce a crop (nourishment, provision, etc.). Seems like there's life in the dirt, even though it's messy.
Post a Comment