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People throw around the term “Community” without really thinking
WRITE YOUR PERSONAL THOUGHTS ON THESE QUESTIONS about what that entails. To be part of a community you have to commit, you
have to care for others more than your self, and you have to be willing to
sacrifice preference for the sake of peace. Community is not starting when
What feelings does knowing Jesus prayed for you bring up? it's convenient, nor does it stop when things get boring. An authentic com-
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munity is what happens when a group of people navigate through the differ-
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ences, inconveniences and preferences for the sake of loving God.
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______________________________________________________________ Experiencing the real community is about experiencing mutual sur-
______________________________________________________________ render and submission. To not get your way, because it will help another
grow, and for others to reciprocate because they also want you to grow. The
new testament speaks a lot about unity because God knew that the hardest
step in having a thriving community is the “Unity” piece. It is more comforta-
ble to walk alone and never to deal with differing views than it is to be will-
Can we be united with people who have a differing point of view than us? ing to surrender your thoughts, ideas and preferences for the sake of every-
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one experiencing the peace and love of God through the representation of a
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community.
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______________________________________________________________ Let’s be clear about one thing; Unity does not mean you let anyone
______________________________________________________________ walk all over you, nor does it mean that you are not allowed to question or
disagree with the community. It is a sign of a truly thriving community when
disagreements lead to questioning, which then leads to resolution and con-
tinual peace. What Unity is striving to do is for us to live in such a way where
our agendas or personal biases are not the basis for disagreement, but that
What do you think God is trying to tell us about Unity through these vers- we are willing to lay those aside for the sake of unity in the Community. Each
es?
______________________________________________________________ voice in a community is to be heard and valued, whether it supports or ques-
tions.
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______________________________________________________________ We can be united! We can become a deep Community! But that
______________________________________________________________ comes with some work in tow. We can’t expect that everything will be
______________________________________________________________ peaceful, devoid of problems. We have to do our part, so as far as any of us
can, we strive to live in peace and unity with each other. Why? Because of
the Love of God. None of us deserve it, none of us could ever earn it. The
Lord was so gracious in allowing us into His community and gives us space to
disagree with Him because He loves us so much.
