John 13:34-35
Apart from a dynamic expression of community, where people experience a deep sense of belonging, the church is not what Jesus intends for it to be.
One of the deepest core longings of all people is to simply be known and loved for who they are. We desire a sense of belonging. Much of the world suffers from an acute sense of loneliness and a seemingly visceral division seems to plague our society. With the gospel declaring a “come as you are” invitation, the church, as it is meant to be, shines as a bright light in that dark loneliness. We welcome people into belonging that doesn't require behavioural modification or uniform beliefs on every issue. Jesus does transform behaviour and beliefs, but it is from a sense of belonging (not working for it) that real internal transformation happens.
Despite the importance of community, the pursuit community as an ideal tends to actually destroy and undermine it. Healthy community is the byproduct of simply loving people, which is the byproduct of faith in the grace-saturated message of the cross, experiencing the love of Jesus, and faithfully working together in the mission of God.
The church of Jesus is designed to shine as a bright light in the darkness of loneliness and division, functioning as a loving community, where people are truly known and loved.
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Question: What are some simple ways God might be calling you to build community?
Action Step: Do something this week to make someone feel known and loved. Ask a question to discover something about them and posture your heart to listen well. Invite someone for a meal. Intentionally connect with someone to go help someone else together. You could even wrap all of the above into one meet up. These are just some simple suggestions… ultimately listen to King Jesus.
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Lifetree Church is a family all about declaring and displaying Jesus to transform lives, and benefit our city.
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For more encouragement, check out our Lifetree podcast, Everyday Impact, filled with stories of faith from members of the Lifetree community. You can find it online through the links below.
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0Z8twSfdgk2QXlxRWVnFLt?si=qZNDYZ7xQ5CRuNOBlQyu9Q
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/everyday-impact/id1555551925
