Us, as a people...

We, as a people, a human race, have done some terrible things. One has simply to watch the news or crack a history book to learn of how we have treated our fellow man (and woman) as less than human. Part of what we are called to as Christians and as people in a faith community is to see, acknowledge and love the image of God in all people. This can be a huge undertaking, but it will also change the face of our neighborhoods, churches and our world.

In Colossians 3:12-15, Paul urges us to bear with one another with an attitude of forgiveness, grace and love. To acknowledge our faults encourage one another in uniting with Christ in God's mission in redeeming the world. It is this mission that drives our need for a close community.

Everyone needs friends and people around them, we have an intrinsic desire for intimacy on many levels. But, our mission in joining with Christ in His plan for redeeming the world puts us in many rough, challenging, and often precarious situations, and it is because of the risky nature of our faith that we NEED this close community.

Does your lifestyle reflect a faith that lives counter culturally and therefore is in need of constant companions on the journey?

Are we opening ourselves up to be a people that journeys together in deep encouragement of one another? In grace, acceptance and love?

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