Shofar Stellenbosch | Godly CommunitySample

Offence in Community

Not only is the Christian community a place of refuge and safety in a time of need but it is a weapon to bring the good news to the world. There is a quote that says ‘preach the gospel and if necessary, use words.’ Now we believe that the gospel needs to be preached with words, but in this busy world, the only gospel some people might see is that of the Christian community. So by the way that we see, love, accept, challenge and share with one another we can share the love of God. But in what manner does God purpose us to love?

Read: John 13: 31-35

• ’A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another..’ – what does it mean to love one another?
• If we are to love one another, how should we love one another? 
• Practically, what does it look like for me to love someone just as Christ has loved us?
• Are you loving people in the way that Christ has loved you?
• When people look at your community, will they know that you are Jesus’ disciples? 

‘Our relationship with each other is the criterion the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful - Christian community is the final apologetic.’ - Francis Schaeffer

Prayer

‘Father, Your standard of love is so high, that we know that it is only Your Spirit that can help us love in that way. Teach us, daily, to love one another as Christ has loved us. Teach us, we ask, so that the world will know Your love.’