Called to Community
Forming Community
Illusions
Pages 106-111
TOGETHER read the devotional and the scripture.
INDIVIDUALLY take notes in your journal on what stands out.
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Galatians 6:1-10 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
TOGETHER pray for one another.
INDIVIDUALLY answer the questions in your journal - process your devotional notes and pray.
Katz says “disillusionment is a grace from God.” What does he mean by this?
O’Connor says living in community can bring out problems you didn’t even know you had. Why is that?
When are you tempted to withdraw from others? Why?
EXTRA READING:
Letter to Diognetus (estimated 130 AD)
”Christians live in their own countries, but only as guests and aliens. They take part in everything as citizens and endure everything as aliens … They are as poor as beggars, and yet they make many rich. They lack everything, and yet they have everything in abundance. They are dishonored, and yet have their glory in this very dishonor … They are abused, yet they bless … In a word: what the soul is in the body, the Christians are in the world.”
- Author Unknown