March 8, 2007

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10)

Let me tell you a story of Biblical community.

This past week one of our members unexpectedly lost a brother who lived in another state. Her brother was a believer so even in the midst of the sorrow, there was rejoicing in the knowledge that he is in the arms of his Savior today.

The funeral was to take place in the brother’s hometown. When the day of the funeral arrived, and the Calvary family went to the service, much to their surprise, they found a member of their Bible Fellowship class was there. He had taken the day off from work and had driven the 275 miles one way to be there to support them during this time of family sorrow…and he drove back to Winston-Salem the same day. What a beautiful picture of fellowship. A fulfillment of Paul’s challenge:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comforts who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (II Corinthians 1:3-4)

And the story doesn’t end there. When the family returned to their home later, waiting on their front porch was another member of their class with a hot meal. She said, “I’m a first responder.” And what a great response of love and support she was.

Biblical community…fellowship…bearing one another’s burdens…what a wonderful example this story is…and it is repeated over and over through our Bible Fellowship classes daily.

See the challenge in Romans? We’re called to “outdo” one another in this kind of loving community. Who around you today needs a touch from you? Where, today can you practice a little “community”? Look for opportunities, be available…and the Lord will bless you with the privilege of serving His body today.

Written By:  Jim Kinney