We are running a fortnightly bible study following our community dinner looking at the exegesis (interpretation) of the bible passages that underpin each of our community values. You can read the list of Values here so you know what’s coming up next.
These values can be relevant whatever context you live and work in just make the Word you own.
Value 5: Becoming family
We value the intimacy of relationship we can have with Christ, and the belonging found in growing closer to God and therefore to each other. Our goal is to be family for those facing loneliness and social isolation.
Biblical basis: 1 John 3:16-18, John 13: 34-35
Let’s read the value together. What stands out?
There’s a saying ‘You can’t choose your family’… yes we can.
We have family near and far, our actual relations and the people we choose to share our life with.
Family means the entire human race – regardless of colour, race status…
Family see us at our best and at our worst, we can come as we are and still be loved. We seek to be and provide that sort of space for one another.
Read the bible. What words/ideas stand out?
What can we learn from the bible about living the Value: Becoming family?
1 John 3: 16-18…
……..It was the example that Jesus set in laying down his life for us that put us in the know about real love. If we would love, then we need to do likewise, and lay our lives on the line for one another. How on earth can people claim that the love of God is at home in their hearts if they turn their backs on their needy brothers and sisters, even though it is quite within their means to help?
……..My dear friends, let us love; really love. Let us make sure we’re not just talking the talk, but walking the walk: being fair dinkum about our love and expressing it in action. This kind of integrity between what we say and what we do is a sure sign that our lives are genuinely grounded in God’s truth. It enables us to hold our heads high when we approach God, even though self-doubts may be trying to make us feel guilty and fearful. Our record of integrity can reassure us at such times, because God knows everything and can overrule our self-accusations. So when we are doing what God tells us to do, and thus living lives that please God, we can rest assured that when we approach God with our requests, we will get a positive response, whether we feel we deserve it or not.
©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net
John 13: 31-35
……..When Judas left, Jesus said to his disciples, “Now the moment of glory has arrived for the New Human, and it is God’s glory too. If God’s glory is made known in him, then God will pour out his own glory on him. It’s all happening right now.
……..“You are my children, but you’re about to be on your own because our time together is almost up. You’ll keep looking for me, but as I said to the people before, where I am going, there is no way you can come.
……..“I’ve got one new instruction for you — in fact take it as an order — love one another. I want you to love one another in the same way that I have loved you. If you do that — if you really have love for one another — then it will be apparent to everyone that you are following in my footsteps.”
©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net
Reflection time… followed by sharing time.
Our record of integrity can reassure us… God can overcome our self-accusations – where we are small God is BIG.
Simple and powerful message: LOVE ONE ANOTHER
Love someone and they will love someone, and they will love someone, and they will love someone… the ripples go on and on.
Let’s get into groups of 2-3 and catch up with each other about life through the week…
…highlights, lowlights, needs, dreams
We do things we don’t like sometimes because it’s family. Belonging & interconnectedness.
What’s your role in your family? What are things you need from family? What are things you have to give?
* trying to keep everyone together * practical support * there in ups and downs * advice * generosity * steadfast * conflict resolution * friend * peacemaker * LOVE * welcome * imperfect * support * conflict * time * making cakes * acts of service * taking care of each other * being friendly to everyone (even if they hate you) *
itellyouarise 