community of love

Paul loved those who labored in the Lord with him and he prayed that we would also grow in love toward each other.

What does that look like in practice?

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. ~ 1 Cor 13.4-8a

I just participated in the Reveal survey. It wasn't bad as far as surveys go. More important, it caused me to think a little about what is it that makes a community of believers important and what a healthy one might look like. Would you describe the relationships within your community as Paul would have from the above?

What about bearing one another burdens and living in harmony? We are to place the interests of others ahead of our own. This is what true holiness and community looks like. This is true faith, it works through love.

Love delights in reciprocation but more important, it gives itself to others regardless of the reaction it receives.

I think we need to purpose to seek out communities where this is the norm. Some of my current relationships are not like this and I think that should change.