A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34 (ESV)
Love One Another
- 36% of Adult Americans say “they are lonely almost all the time.
- 51% of mothers with young children say “ they are lonely almost all the time”.
- 61% of Americans aged 18 to 25 say “ they are lonely almost all the time”
4 issues that keep people from loving one another in Christian Community:
1) Busyness
2) Individualism
3) Hypermobility
4) Non-committal
“We all are born into the world looking for someone looking for us.” - Curt Thompson, M.D.
Disciple: One who is learning and living the way of Jesus, daily being formed into Christlikeness in all of life.
David points to five practices that cultivate the friendship and belonging that leads to true community:
- Priority
- Chemistry
- Vulnerability
- Empathy
- Accountability
1. The Practice of Priority
- Priority is Intentionally setting aside time to build and invest in Christian friendships
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
“The most complete definition of a commitment is this: falling in love with something and then building a structure of behavior around it for those moments when love falters.” —David Brooks
2. The Practice of Chemistry
- Chemistry is finding people who “get” you and whom you just enjoy being around
“Friendship arises out of mere companionship when two or more of these companions discover that they have in common some insight or interest or even taste which the others do not share and which, till that moment, each believed to be his own unique treasure (or burden). The typical expression of opening friendship would be something like, ‘What? You too? I thought I was the only one.’” —C.S. Lewis
“People who bore one another should meet seldom; people who interest one another, often.” —C.S. Lewis
3. The Practice of Vulnerability
Vulnerability is sharing your whole self, including your weaknesses
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)
4. The Practice of Empathy
- Empathy is actively listening and paying attention to another person’s life and needs
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.- Romans 12:15 (ESV)
“Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It is simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communication that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.’” —Brene Brown
5. The Practice of Accountability
- Accountability is encouraging and supporting one another toward Christlikeness
- Disciple: One who is learning and living the way of Jesus, daily being formed into Christlikeness in all of life.
15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, - Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. - 1 John 4:12 (ESV)
The Point: Loving One Another In Community Is The Life We Want.