Most Christians don't live in true community. We take care of ourselves and point fingers at others when they do something that offends us or do something we don't think is right. We don't build each other up in Christ.
I've grown up this way. I only worry about myself. I take care of myself and do the things I want to do because I am top priority. But is that how God wants up to live?
Philippians 2:4 says:
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of others."
So God wants us to consider others. Not just your friends or your family or the people you like. Everyone. Not only does He says we need to consider other, Galatians 6:2 says:
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
What?! So now I'm supposed to bear everyone's burdens?!
Sometimes we think this can't be done. That other's burden are too heavy when we add them to our own. But when we ALL share burdens with one another it's not so heavy. This not only allows us to be open and vulnerable, it allows other to help get rid of those burdens. when we hurt when others are hurting and when the burdens of others are on our own backs, that's when we truly care for one another…..and isn't that what Jesus did for us? He put all of our sin on Him so we could live with Him in Heaven on day. So we wouldn't have to hurt anymore.
Community is definitely not something that comes natural to our generation. Every day I have to make a decision. Am I going to care for and love the people around me? Or am I going to only care about myself?"
Some days it's hard. Sometimes I only want to care about myself, but I know that community is going to allow me and others to grow in Christ.
"And I think that's what our world is desperately in need of- lovers, people who are building deep, genuine relationships with fellow strugglers along the way, and who actually know the faces of the people behind the issues they are concerned about."
Shane Claiborne
The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical
