Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:2-6
Community. I like to think of it as an extension of our family. There are going to be times you love your community, and there are going to be times you less than love them. But at the end of the day, we are all part of the body of Christ. Rain or shine, God called us all to be in community with one another because we are all a part of the Body of Christ with one Spirit. We are called to love one another, to be patient with one another, and to caring each other's burdens in Christ. That's what makes us unique, our relationship with one another. We all have our own paths we take in life, and we need to recognize that other's have paths they also must endure. Have patience with one another, just as you would like to have patience in your times of hardships. Love your neighbor with the love you'd like to receive. Be humble, because many times we don't know what is going on in the lives others. Be gentle, because the tongue can start fires. Pray for consciousness of those in your community, ask God to give you His eyes to see what aspects to improve on in this area.
My Father,
Thank you for those You placed in my life. Thank you that You know exactly what You were doing when you placed these people in my life. Open my eyes to the aspects I lack in the community. Give me peace, or the strength to create peace, where there is unrest in my community. Help me to be gentle to those around me, let my heart remain sensitive as to not hurt those with my words or actions. Help me love those and let me see them through Your lens of love. Give me the strength to keep the peace and to have the discernment to mend any areas of unpeace with my fellow members of the Body. Help me to remember that we are One in You, that we are One. We are not against one another, but here for one another. Thank You for this holy unity we have as Your believers, that we may have others to depend on.
Amen