simple steps
community
GOD MADE YOU FOR COMMUNITY WITH OTHERS
SIMPLE INSIGHT: God made you for community with others. God made you for a relationship with Him and to be in relationship with each other. Through that community of like-minded people we see the Lord’s love in our midst. We find ourselves praying for each other’s needs, sharing what God is doing in our lives with others, & helping serve one another. These are all parts of what it means when Jesus said to “…love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Check out John 17:20-23 & Psalm 133
SIMPLE PRACTICE: This week reach out to a new person. Invite them out for coffee and hear their story. You never know what God will do from there and how community is developed.
“Lord, Help me to be others-oriented. To love them as You have loved me. Help me to do what not only you’ve created me for, but what is pleasing in Your eyes. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."
COMMUNITY IS MUCH LIKE A FAMILY
SIMPLE INSIGHT: Community is much like a family. As family, we have fun together and enjoy each other’s company. But like a family, we don’t always all get along. Because we each have different personalities and preferences, it can really create problems if we don’t keep going back to the One who holds us together, Jesus. In Him we have unity & harmony. And from that unity comes great ministry to each other. Check out Philippians 4:2
SIMPLE PRACTICE: This week do something to show your appreciation of your “extended family” (your church family). Let other believers know they are valued, or resolve an ongoing conflict with one of them you’ve been having, or simply connect with new people after a Sunday service.
“Lord, I thank you for my church family. Bless each of them and help me to be that conduit of your love to them. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."
COMMUNITY IS SUPPOSED TO BE A BIT MESSY
SIMPLE INSIGHT: Community is supposed to be a bit messy. The church is a like a hospital, a bit messy & hurting. We all come in wounded and find that Jesus, like a doctor, begins to heal us up. In time He sends us out to tell others just how good He is! As patients, we interact with each other and find out that nothing is perfect in other’s lives either. That’s ok, because through it all we are pointing each other to Jesus. Check out Philippians 2:1-4
SIMPLE PRACTICE: Consider this week joining one of the small groups at church. It’s the perfect way to get to know other believers. You need them just as much as they need you.
“Lord, help me to not be afraid of cultivating relationships. I see that life is messy, and I need You to bring me some close believers to help me bear up through it. And I want to be the same for them too. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."