40 Days of cHesed—Day 18

Day 18 Experiencing Life Together

As the Covenant Community grows larger, we must purposely grow smaller. It means that each person has a place to be known and cared for by a few people. It also means that we know and care for a few people. It is the only way for everyone’s basic intimacy needs to be met.

Knowing and being known are essential to healthy relationships. It is what makes them “real”—we frequently use the word authentic to describe “real” relationship. Authentic relationships have some basic characteristics. The Greek word koinonia to help us get a better picture.

The Greek word koinonia literally means to hold in common. The first century church fellowship was often identified using koinonia because they were a people whose behavior showed that they were obviously united by what they held in common: Jesus Christ as Lord of the Covenant Community. But the bigger concept beyond the literal meaning is much richer because it shows the joining of the Covenant Community with the Eternal Community:

Koinonia: the love and unity between brothers and sisters in Christ (characterized by openness, honesty, generosity, humility, accountability and responsibility for meeting each other’s needs) because of the Holy Spirit’s presence in them.

…And the characteristics that identify koinonia are hesed in action!

This is a picture of what can happen in small groups! Does this look like any small group you’re involved with?

Today’s Look at 1 John

Read 1 John 2:18 through 3:10. While you’re reading, notice the importance of knowing Christ—especially now that you understand a little better what it means to know someone!

Keep Breathing!

Inhale—Invite God to fill you right now with the Holy Spirit so that you will be able to remain on target and faithful to God’s purpose. Exhale—release any selfish desires for intimacy in order to accept God’s desire—hesed! Push those pedals—keep serving and submitting and leading. Keep loving and being gracious and giving mercy…whee!