Being others-focused is central to becoming a healthy community. And it is the natural by-product of true, biblical community. Jean Vanier said,

“As people live in communion with the Father, they enter more and more into communion with one another; they open their hearts to the smallest and the weakest. Being in communion with the smallest and the weakest, their hearts are touched and the waters of compassion flow forth; in this way they enter more deeply into communion with the Father.”

The extension of increasing amounts of compassion to the poor, the stranger and the afflicted is evidence of the real presence of Christ in a group. It is not doctrinal—it is missional, others-minded and self-giving. To simply declare our beliefs falls short of the biblical expression of communal life in the Kingdom.

So how are your groups extending compassion? What is happening outside the circle? Prayer and service for others makes a community come to life in ways that study and teaching do not. 

Summary: Looking back over these four values, it is clear that they work together. A community or group that is energized and catalytic toward growth will be inclusive and compassionate, and will have an eye toward those who live or work close by, inviting them into the experience. It just makes sense. But it must be modeled, taught and resourced. And that is the work we have before us.

What are the driving values of your group or community gatherings? How are they taught and fostered? I’d love to hear from you on this.

Final post in this series.