Day 19 - Cultivating Community

You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honour.

JAMES 3:18 (Msg)

They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.

ACTS 2:42 (Msg)

"Unfortunately, many people grow up in families with unhealthy relationships, so they lack the relationship skills needed for real fellowship.  They must be taught how to get along with and relate to others in God's family." p145-6

"While it is much easier to remain silent when others around us are harming themselves or others with a sinful pattern, it is not the loving thing to do... Many fellowships have been sabotaged by fear: No one had the courage to speak up in the group while a member's life fell apart." p146

"Paul's solution was straightforward: "No more lies, no more pretence.  Tell your neighbour the truth.  In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all.  When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself." p147

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.  Humility is thinking more of others.  Humble people are so focused on serving others, they don't think of themselves." p148

"In every church and in every small group, there is always at least one 'difficult' person, usually more than one.  These people may have special emotional needs, deep insecurities, irritating mannerisms, or poor social skills.  You might call them EGR people - 'Extra Grace Required'. p149

God put these people in our midst for both their benefit and ours.  They are an opportunity for growth and a test of fellowship: Will you love them as brothers and sisters and treat them with dignity?" p149

"Real community happens when people know it is safe enough to share doubts and fears without being judged." p150

"You have to spend time with people - a lot of time - to build deep relationships.  This is why fellowship is so shallow in many places in many churches; we don't spend enough time together, and the time we do spend in usually listening to one person speak." p150

Point to Ponder:

Community requires commitment.

Verse to Remember: 

"We understand what love is when we realise that Christ gave His life for us.  That means we must give our lives for other believers. " 1 JOHN 3:16 (GWT)

Question to Consider: 

How can I help cultivate today the characteristics of real community in my small group and my church?