community

img_0825Susan probably worries a little about me as she enjoys our new granddaughter in Denver, but she knows I’m not alone as our friend Sherill lives with us. For the past couple of weeks, our friend Jim has needed a place to stay so he is also a welcome guest.

Sherill is an assistant women’s basketball coach at a local university. She played at our school, starred at the University of Georgia, then played five years in the WNBA and four years overseas. Jim is off the streets and doing well. God used His children to help Jim get clean and attain a full time job as a custodian at an elementary school.

The three of us make quite a diverse community. While I am sure we could find many differences to argue about, we tend rather to dwell on the things we have in common: Jesus, an enjoyment of sports, various struggles, and an appreciation for good food. Our dinner conversations are quite interesting.

When I told them I would probably write something about our little family, both Sherill and Jim said I could write anything I wanted… they both trust me. Surely the test of a healthy Christian community is not whether you can spend two or three hours together each week in a church building… but whether you can truly love each other every day… despite your differences.

Jim said, “We must live out what we say at church. If there is ever a need among us, we all need to pitch in and help.” Sherill said, “Coach Davis, with the season starting up, I’m going to be tied up most Sundays. Do you think we can take time to get together and talk about God one evening during the week?”

My friends remind us of what is most important: ‘Love the Lord’ and ‘Love one another.’ When our communities keep these two priorities front and center, ‘the kingdom of God is near.’

“Jesus replied: ’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts. They broke bread together in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Acts 2:44-45

This entry was posted in love. Bookmark the permalink.