Norman, Oklahoma will always be a place I long for. Justin says he now understands why Norman and OU means so much to me. They community of people there at my church feel, at times, even closer than family.

Community has been heavy on my heart as we entered into marriage and joined a new church. The Lord calls us to live in community with one another, but why? Also, as an extrovert, why does being in community seem to give me so much life? I have a lot of fear when it comes to community. To be known seems so scary and to be accepted seems unlikely when people really get to know me. Yet, it is the sweetest thing to be known and loved among a group of people. Its so freeing to fight for the things of Jesus together, knowing you are still loved when you fail. Gospel centered community is a small illustration of the Lords love for us and how we are to live with Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit.

We are flawed and community tends to expose our flaws, often creating conflict.  Our sinful hearts are bent to constantly compares ourselves to others and set expectations on the people around us. It’s common to loose focus and allow our thoughts to trend inward instead of outward. As believers, we should be looking to love and bless those around us and trust in Jesus to take care of all our own needs. Basically, we approach community with a consumeristic mindset. We come in to take what we need and rarely give back. We must lay aside our consumeristic mindset when it comes to community! Christ gives us a perfect example in loving Judas. Jesus loved and cared for the one who was ultimately going to betray him. Jesus loved and cared for the ones who treated him the worst and had mercy on them. May we grow in love and mercy and forgiveness for each other as we battle our sinful hearts in community. May we follow the example of Christ in loving well without expecting a return.

Love you all and may you all enjoy your thanksgiving and give thanks for those the Lord has put around you.

-Jenn