Community: Cruel and Crucial

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I wonder sometimes why humans can be so audaciously cruel and why we have so little mercy for our fellow men. We dislike their personality and look down on them because they're simply weird, or we have a different idea of how things ought to be. Then, we throw mud on them.

Recently, I came across a short clip by Erwin McManus in which he stated, "I think the hardest thing to do in this world is to create authentic human community. I think it's the hardest thing to do and the most important thing to do. Because there's nothing we need more than each other and nothing we hate more than each other." He went on to explain that people speak to him about "church hurt" and being wounded by others in a congregation. In turn, he explains to them that it's not church hurt. It's human hurt. The only difference is that the people were in a church. 

I have observed much of this statement to be true. The smaller and tighter a community is, the more potential there is for relationship difficulty. We no longer know only names and faces, we know habits and preferences and faults. In our human tendencies, it seems conducive to throw a couple stones and sling some mud at the offenders.

This problem is not a new one. We see it in Jesus' day as well. As the woman caught in adultery huddled there shivering on the ground, there was a multitude of "righteous" people ready to hurl their rocks of condemnation. 

Yet, we see Jesus introducing a new way. A way that is anti-human. A way that requires humility and grace. A way that brings life and healing. 

The greatest antidote to hurt and the division that wreaks havoc on our communities is to read and follow the Greatest Master's example. If, as Erwin McManus stated, our need for community is so great, we would do well to build it and maintain it well. I believe it is time we set down our rocks and squish the mud under our feet as we embrace our fellow brothers and sisters with grace instead of criticism, love instead of anger, and mercy instead of condemnation. 

If the church is to be a safe haven of healing for hurting and lost souls, we must get rid of our prejudices, selfish vices, and haughty self-righteous attitudes. Jesus went to the broken, discouraged, and angry. He loved and loved some more. His disciples failed and made mistakes but always He forgave and pushed them forward with grace. 

Once we become more concerned with our brother's welfare than our right to be correct, we will begin to love and serve in a brand new way. And when we truly remember the grace our Lord showed us, we will begin washing others' feet with the grace given to us. 

"Therefore my brethren be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work fo the Lord. Forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Blessings!

*To clarify: I quoted Erwin McManus, but do not support all of his beliefs or personal stances. Some of his teachings align with truth, but not all. Let us be wise seekers in our opinion-laden age. 

Also, I am not writing this out of hurt. Simply out of observation. My church family treats me well. 🥰