Community Is Not About Comfort

These are some great thoughts from the Disciple Making Leaders blog:

“Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love.”

—John 13:1b

Jesus showed His disciples the “full extent of His love” by taking up a towel and wash basin and scrubbing their feet. He then instructed them to follow His example.

This snapshot from the life of Jesus and His disciples reminds me of some very important principles…

First, Jesus did life in a small group. Jesus didn’t take a towel and basin into the multitudes. He took His towel and basin to His small group. Jesus had compassion on the masses, but the full extent of His love was demonstrated to those with whom He had a relationship. Are you close enough to a small group of people that you could wash their feet? Is your life filled with a handful of relationship that are so close you want to express the full extent of your love?

Secondly, Jesus served those with whom He shared community. Community is not about us. It is about others! Jesus did not give himself to community so that He could get something out of it. Jesus gave himself to a small group so that He could serve them. When was the last time you did a tangible act of service for someone in your small group?

When you walk as Jesus walked, your life is characterized by community, and serving others becomes a priority in your life.

Daily Prayer

Lord, give me eyes to see people’s needs and hands to help meet them.

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Discussion Questions for Easter

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SOAPY Bible Study

In the past, I've written about and talked about the SOAP method of Bible study. This is a simple Bible study method which can be utilized by an individual or a small group. All you need is a passage of Scripture and 15-30 minutes (a journal is helpful). Many churches use this method of Bible study for their groups. Some have modified the SOAP method by adding a Y. Read more about it below: This Bible study is an intentional focused effort of growing in the understanding of the scriptures. This form of study will assist in the transformation of our inner lives as we mature in understanding and in faith. Set aside 15 minutes every day for the study. You might want to take more time after you have gotten started. Don’t overload yourself in the beginning. Keep a “soapy” journal because there will be the need to write everyday. As you develop your routine, share what you are learning with your Discipleship Group, Sunday school class, Circle, other groups in which y...

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