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But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:7 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/1jn.1.7.NLT

 Community is part of living. Everywhere that people live and work together a sense of community is formed. The strength that arrives from being together includes qualities of love, acceptance, common interests, fellowship, and support.

The challenges of living in community include frustration, disappointment in others, unmet expectations, and letting people down. Sometimes people are hurtful towards each other in community.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that we are better together. When we live in the light of God as shared in the Bible, we experience a level of fellowship and connection that can be found all around the world with other followers of Jesus Christ.

God cultivates forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation, and restoration in our lives. The presence of God draws us deeper into His ways of living. Over time, we become more focused on being more forgiving and compassionate towards each other, extending forgiveness to each other with a gracious spirit.

The amazing thing about being together in Christ is that even when we do fail each other, Jesus forgives and cleanses us from those failures. We are together in the grace and mercy of God. We are given the capacity to continue to live in community.

Together.

Encouragement: Live in community with God and others. Understand that people will make mistakes, and at times, be hurtful. See the forgiveness and cleansing of Jesus Christ for all the sins that occur, even as we follow God together. Live for Christ. Support each other. Be together.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for community in God and each other. Thank You for forgiving us for all the mistakes and hurts we can bring to bear on each other in community. Help us as we live together in Your ways, Your truth, Your love, Your forgiveness, Your grace, Your mercy, Your gentleness, and Your strength. We are better together in You.

In Jesus name, Amen

-Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center