Kim's Devotional Journey

Reflection

Community has been something that’s come up a lot recently, and the piece of Scripture that spoke to me most about it was Jesus’ command to love one another the way He loves us. It’s a direct call to community, because loving others in this way is somewhat difficult to do in isolation. But isolation doesn’t always have to be physical! As Jesus often pointed out, these things are just as much matters of the heart. It’s possible to be physically present with others while still keeping ourselves closed off; present, but not truly open to loving one another as Jesus did. The next part of this passage sets the standard for what that love should look like. We’re not only invited to enjoy the presence of community, but to be willing to lay down our lives for those within it. That’s such a profound and challenging way to approach love. It’s easy to say we love our community, but much harder to honestly say we would give our lives for them. Yet how fortunate are we that Jesus calls us His friends and did exactly that for us. His invitation into community is completely open and generous, open to those who are willing to live by the values He sets. Reflecting on this makes me ask how I love those around me, and whether my life reflects the kind of love that invites others into true community.

Today’s quest

Reach out to someone in your life with a message! The contents could be of encouragement, gratitude, care, or whatever feels relevant in your heart. Connect with someone to remind them of that their a part of your community and are seen.