Are we willing to embrace the costs of genuine community?
Are you so intent on controlling your relationships and managing your community that you might be missing out on the blessings/opportunities God offers when you follow His ways?
Living in Costa Rica on mission has taught us a lot...
In our journey to follow Jesus, we are called into a community that offers abundant blessings, yet it comes with its own set of sacrifices. Just as Nehemiah 11 shows us a glimpse of the community God desires, we are invited to experience the fullness of this community through Christ. However, not everyone is willing to step outside their own agenda and sacrifice personal desires for the sake of authentic community. What does this mean for us today? Do we realize that sacrifice is an integral part of building genuine connections and living in the community God envisions for us?
Jesus exemplified the balance of intention and flexibility. He walked with a clear purpose, yet He remained open to the "interruptions" that came His way.
Consider these examples:
As Jesus was on His way to heal Jairus's daughter, a woman who had been suffering for twelve years reached out to touch His cloak. Despite the urgency of His mission, Jesus stopped, acknowledged her faith, and healed her. This interruption became a moment of transformation and healing. (Mark 5:25-34)
While Jesus was teaching in a crowded house, a group of friends lowered a paralyzed man through the roof to reach Him. Instead of seeing this as a disruption, Jesus saw their faith and healed the man, offering both physical and spiritual restoration.
These stories remind us that true community requires us to be open to the unexpected. It challenges us to look beyond our own plans and embrace the needs of others, just as Jesus did. (Mark 2:1-12)
Philippians 2 calls us to prioritize others above ourselves, cultivating a spirit of humility and service, and adopting the mindset of Jesus, who selflessly gave up His life.
As you reflect on your community in your current season, let's ask ourselves: Are we willing to embrace the costs of genuine community? Are we open to the "interruptions" that God might use to bring life and growth to those around us?
If this writing was helpful, consider supporting us as missionaries in Jaco, Costa Rica below:
Comments