It fills my heart with joy to see each of you here today, joining together as a faith community. I relished the sound of your lively conversations and the sight of warm embraces as I entered the church this morning. I hope that everyone here feels embraced by love.

Why do we look forward to this day every week? What makes us so eager to unite to worship, pray, share meals, and laugh? While it might appear routine, since it occurs weekly, I find it to be truly extraordinary. This is because it symbolizes a form of community that is far more precious and rare than we might initially realize.

Consider the depth of relationships and joy we treasure because of our unity and gatherings. Reflect on the countless interactions that have forged these bonds—the welcoming smiles and hugs on Sunday mornings, the numerous calls, emails, texts, and notes that keep us connected, the endless hours spent organizing ministry activities, preparing worship services, and the shared moments of Bible study and prayer. Remember the celebrations, the significant Sundays, the weddings and funerals, the newborns welcomed into our community, and the countless prayers we have shared.

In today’s world, where distances grow—not just digitally or politically but also in our direct human connections—the sense of connectedness we achieve here is nothing short of a small miracle. In light of humanity’s inclination towards discord and division, this community spirit is indeed miraculous in any era.

Just last Sunday, I encountered two individuals who shared completely divergent political views, yet they both belong to this same church. This is unusual for many, as they find themselves in groups that are often politically homogeneous. However, our community is not defined or divided by our political views; instead, we are united in our faith.

Still, amidst another politically charged season, the divisions and tensions become more pronounced around us, unsettling many. C.S. Lewis depicted this using the metaphor of a beaker full of water sitting quietly until shaken, stirring up the sediment at the bottom. This imagery isn’t just about personal trials but also resonates with our current societal climate—when shaken, many hidden issues come to light.

During these turbulent times, I have been contemplating the vital role of our Christian community, where labels and divisions are set aside in favor of unity and discipleship in Jesus.

Now seems like the perfect moment to reflect on the blessings of being part of a connected church family, where, although we may not all agree, we strive to love in the same spirit. For this, I am reminded of Paul’s instructions on how to foster a Beloved Christian community as described in Romans 12:9-18, where he calls for genuine love, mutual respect, and peaceful living.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Paul’s epistles, significant portions of the New Testament, were written as direct responses to the challenges faced by early Christian communities. He didn’t set out to create Scripture or an institution but aimed to guide those desiring to live a life of love as followers of Jesus. Paul’s mission was to cultivate a community centered on Christ, emphasizing the virtues of love, healing, and comfort.

In Romans 12:9-18, he describes the character of such a community. This description is practical advice on living a Christian life, serving as an ethical guide, emphasizing love, service, humility, and peace, crucial for personal and communal Christian conduct. Paul begins by advocating for sincere love, abhorring evil and clinging to good, highlighting the need for Christians to show affection and honor to one another. He extends this to passion in service, joy in hope, patience in affliction, and persistence in prayer, coupled with calls for generosity and hospitality, which underscore the practical expressions of Christian love.

Further, Paul challenges Christians to bless their persecutors, reflecting Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount, and promotes harmony and humility by encouraging believers to associate with people of all statuses and avoid conceit. Paul’s vision for a community is where every member acts out of love for one another, advocating for behaviors that mirror the teachings of Jesus Christ in practical, everyday actions.

Paul’s vision of the church can be understood through the description of a Beloved Community, coined by philosopher Josiah Royce but also widely associated with Martin Luther King Jr. today. The Beloved Community isn’t merely an ideal; it is a practical expression of Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom of God. It represents a state that exists both in the present and in the eschatological future, where justice and peace prevail, and where God’s promise of renewal and reconciliation is fulfilled.

The Beloved Community reminds us that salvation, healing, and justice are communal, not individual pursuits. We don’t each achieve our own blessings; rather, we collectively aspire to embody a community beloved by God—imperfect yet striving for betterment. This requires more than polite conversations; it requires genuine, deep connections that make another’s joys and pains as significant to us as our own. As such, this Beloved Community is more than a dream; it is a call to action, a vision where everyone is treated with dignity, conflicts are resolved through reconciliation, and the well-being of each person is a priority. This vision aligns perfectly with the teachings of Jesus, who commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).

In The Power of Community, Howard Partridge emphasizes that a healthy community is essential for personal and collective growth. He identifies key elements that make a community thrive: connection, support, and accountability. These elements are not just desirable but necessary for the Beloved Community to flourish.

Connection: Connection is the foundation of any community. It involves building relationships based on trust and empathy. In the early church, we see a powerful example of connection: “All the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:44). They shared their lives, their resources, and their faith. This deep connection enabled them to support one another through challenges and joys alike.

Support: Support within a community means standing by one another, especially in times of need. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” In The Power of Community, Partridge illustrates how support networks can transform lives, providing strength and encouragement to those who may be struggling.

Accountability: Accountability helps us grow by encouraging us to live up to our values and commitments. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Partridge highlights that accountability is not about judgment but about helping each other become the best versions of ourselves.

How can we, as a church, continue to nurture our Beloved Community?

• Cultivate Authentic Relationships: We must go beyond superficial interactions and invest in meaningful relationships. This means listening with empathy, being present, and showing genuine concern for each other’s well-being.
• Foster an Inclusive Environment: The Beloved Community welcomes everyone, regardless of background or status. We are called to break down barriers and create a space where everyone feels valued and included.
• Promote Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Conflicts are inevitable, but how we handle them defines our community. We must seek reconciliation and practice forgiveness, following Jesus’ example of grace.
• Encourage Mutual Aid: Just as the early church shared their resources, we are called to support one another materially and spiritually. This can involve helping those in need, volunteering, and contributing to the common good.
• Commit to Continuous Growth: Building the Beloved Community is an ongoing process. We must continually strive to improve ourselves and our relationships, guided by the principles of love and justice.

As we can see, the Beloved Community is not just an ideal. It is a practice with a divine mandate to fulfill Jesus’ prayer: “Your kingdom come, you will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

So, as we reflect on the teachings of Paul and the vision of the Beloved Community, I hope we are reminded that we can’t do life alone and fulfill our purpose, nor can we be truly happy and successful in life without the support and encouragement of others and us doing the same for them. Here, within this sacred fellowship, we find the hands that lift us up when we fall, the voices that encourage us when we are weary, and the hearts that rejoice and weep with us in every season. Despite our differences, our unity is a testament to the power of Christ’s love that binds us together.

Therefore, as we continue to build and nurture this Beloved Community, let us commit to living out the virtues Paul describes in Romans 12: genuine love, mutual respect, and peaceful living. Let us outdo one another in showing honor, rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, and persevere in prayer. Let us be generous and hospitable, bless those who persecute us, and strive to live in harmony with all. In doing so, we create a community that reflects the Kingdom of God and embody the love and grace that Jesus calls us to live out daily. Together, we can face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that we are not alone but surrounded by a loving and supportive family in Christ.

Together, we are stronger, together we are better, and together, we fulfill the call of God to be a light in this world. Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of community and the blessing of fellowship. Help us to lean on one another, to support and encourage each other, and to live out the virtues of love, patience, and peace. May we always strive to build and nurture this Beloved Community, reflecting Your love and grace in all we do. Guide us as we leave this place, that we may be a source of strength and hope to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen