In Acts 12 we step into the first conflict of the early church. What does it take to become part of this community? Even when talking about difficult matters, the early church focused on how they see God at work, and how to encourage the church and believers.
Paul in Romans 14 tells the Christians in Rome that they need to be a community of peace, not arguing and judging, but instead do whatever we can to make peace for the benefit of our neighbor.
In more than one place in the gospel of John, Jesus used this word abide. Abide in me, as Jesus abides in the Father. Stay connected, apart from God we cannot bear fruit. In John and other places in scripture we get a picture that connection to God happens intentionally, through habits and practices.
In a world where independence and self-sufficiency are held as positive and important values, how do we contrast the call from scripture to meet together, encourage each other, and be shaped by the people around you?