Now days the buzz word is community. I decided to look the word up, community means a group of people who have the same idea. Wow! Your church is a community. Even bigger than that, churches of like faith are a community. What could we accomplish if we as the church started acting like a community?
First, we could evangelize not only the world but our own neighborhoods. Just imagine, a group of people with the same mind...wait! Isn't that somewhere in the Bible? Oh yeah! 1 Peter 3:8-12 The Message (MSG) 8-12 Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here’s what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you’re worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he’s asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things. We must learn to edify others. In this world we live in, there is a lot of division. We know that we are living in the last days, we just need to live on the right side. John 13:35 The (MSG) 34-35 “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” So forget about the schisms and the gossip and love one another.
Secondly, when the world sees the church loving each other, they will want to be a part. You see, the world is dog eat dog. I want mine I don't care if you get yours. The world is selfish, but the church is (should) be loving. Loving is caring, loving is knowing who your neighbor is, loving is giving. A good community or church cares for others in the group. They will defend others in the community. They will forgive others in the community. They will exhibit I Corinthians 13:4-7 4 Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud,5 never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.6 It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out.7 If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.
If the community (church) shows love and support then the community will respond to the church. Now hold your horses pastor, I know that you say that your church shows love and support but does your community know that? Have you gotten out of the four walls to show them? Have you done something to support your community or do they know you as the church that preaches against everything. I will be the first to admit I can get on my soap box about something. In the end I have to ask my self the question, "was it really worth it?" Did I gain anything by letting everyone know how I felt. Sadly, most of the time the answer is no. Affect change in your community by being a change agent. Feed the hungry, clothe those who need it, visit the sick, those in prison, the hurting, the down, the out. Yes, some chose to be there but I know and you know they would give anything to change where they are at.
