The Power of Language in Loving Community

September 21, 2024

When you speak, do others see evidence of the Spirit's work within you?

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God..." 1 John 4:7-21.

In exploring the 'One Another' commands, we're challenged to reflect on how our speech and actions embody God's love. The central message revolves around 1 John 4, reminding us that 'God is love' and that our love for one another is a reflection of His image. This isn't just about Christian niceties, but about allowing God's love to have its complete work in us. We're called to encourage, build up, and spur one another on towards love and good deeds. This isn't passive, but an energetic, shared experience of living out our faith together. The beauty of confession within community is highlighted, not as a burden, but as a pathway to redemption and transformation. As we navigate the complexities of human relationships, we're reminded that the fruit of the Spirit matures within community, shaping how we respond to hurts and frustrations. This message challenges us to show up authentically in our relationships, allowing God's love to be the foundation of our lives and interactions.

Reflection Questions:

1. When was the last time you used your speech to genuinely uplift someone? How did it impact them?

2. Can you think of a time when confession led to healing and stronger relationships within your community?

3. Is there someone you need to reconcile with through confession and prayer?

4. How can you use your words this week to encourage someone in your church community?

Ps Caitlin's Liturgy

Accomplish your purposes among us, O God. Tune our hearts to the voice of your Spirit. Wake us to be present to You and to one another in these shared lives. For it is You, O Lord, who have gathered us from our various places and You alone who know our hearts and our needs. Among us are some who arrive anxious, some who are lonely, some who suffer pain or sorrow. May we in our joys find grace to enter the sorrow of others. Among us are some who arrive rejoicing, hearts made light by good news, good health, good anticipation. May we in our sorrows find grace to embrace the joy of others. Let us prize these moments and care for one another deeply for each of us and our relationships to one another are precious and fleeting. Let us prize these moments and care for one another deeply for each of us and our relationships to one another are precious and eternal. Breathe upon our gathering, O Spirit of God. Grant us each a place to humbly receive and to faithfully serve that we might know in this brief gathering a foretaste of that greater communion yet to come.

O Father, enlarge our hearts.

O Spirit, expand our vision.

O Christ, establish your kingdom among us.

Be at work even now, O Lord. May your will in us be accomplished.

Amen.

Further Reading:

"Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Emotionally Healthy Spirituality" by Peter Scazzero

"The Four Loves" by C.S. Lewis

Thank you for joining us.

We pray you were blessed.

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