“Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.” – Dr. Rollo May
A COMMUNITY is defined as a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. It is a group of people considered collectively, especially in the context of social values and responsibilities; a society. Finally, community describes a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. It is the composite of two powerful words—common and unity. This Sunday, The Warehouse Church, OTR is bringing together folks in the community of Cincinnati in Washington Park for fellowship, conversation, worship, and fun. The theme for the day is “Love One Another.” We’re going to eat, we’re going to sing, we’re going to share, we’re going to dance…and we’re going to love and be loved by God and each other. If the weather is inclement, we’ll do it inside The Warehouse Church, which is right across the street from the park. Why are we doing this?
In Matthew 22:37-40, when Jesus was asked, which are the two greatest commandments, he replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Love God with all you’ve got and love your neighbor as you love yourself. It’s so simple, but it’s not easy, especially as we grow to understand the intricacies and variety of expressions of how God’s love is displayed, like speaking truth in love, or whom the Lord loves He disciplines and deals with like sons… Still, we get the basics. God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son Jesus to save and not condemn us. (John 3:16-17) God is still sending His sons and daughters into the world for the same purpose—to see all rescued by the power of Christ’s love. Jesus’ love is the reason we’re free. Love is what caused us to change. Love is the only thing that will unify us and keep us unified, even when we disagree. The Apostle Peter instructed us, “Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Even though sin is present, it doesn’t have to divide or destroy us if we can learn to love. Love is the identifying mark of Christians, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:35) Community is the place where God’s love in our hearts is displayed for the benefit of all. We hope to see you this Sunday! stop by if you can.
