The Discomfort Of Community

John 13:34-35 NIVThere is both blessing and benefits in community, but unless we are prepared to embrace the complexity and discomfort that constitutes community, we will not enjoy the blessing and the benefits. Anything that is worth something will cost us and will involve a level of discomfort.The cost involved in being part of a real community is the self-factor (selfishness, self-centeredness, self-preservation, self-righteousness). In community, offense is inevitable. However, the choice is ours if we will remain planted in the community or if we will walk away. Secondly, we will be forced to step out of our comfort zone if we want to grow. Thirdly, we will be faced with the option of inclusive vs. exclusive. This means that we can spend time with all types of people and not become ‘guilty by association.’ Fourthly, if we want to establish a community, we need to know that it is a process and not an instant result. We need to be committed long term. Then, we need to let go of the fear of the unknown and by faith be obedient to what God is calling us to do. Lastly, we need to realize that the call of God seldom looks like what we had in mind.