This Month’s Theme:
A Community That’s Christ-Centered (Philippians 2:3-4)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. – Philippians 2:3-4

Artist’s Reflection

Most of us have been actively staying at home for months to help stop the spread of Covid-19. But not everyone is fortunate to be able to work from home, and frontline workers have been heading out to continue to do their part for society. These are tough times, and it’s easy to lose hope.

But belonging to a Christ-centered community is about living out Philippians 2:3-4 as we put the needs of others before our own. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to have a strong community, one that leans in to build and strengthen one another. While I may be physically limited in the ways I can reach out to others in this current climate, community for me starts at home with my family. And with technology, I know I’m more than equipped to branch out to my wider social circle, such as my friends and “family” in church, school, work and ministry.

— Tommy Chandra

Join in the Conversation

What comes to mind when you think of the word “community”? Does it bring to mind a group of busybodies gathering to trade gossip under the cover of “being concerned for each other”, or a group of people who are sincere in helping each other out? 

The thing is, we all yearn for genuine relationships, and this is where the importance of a thriving, vibrant community comes in. A healthy, Christ-centered community is cultivated when we look at ways of serving others around us before our selves (Philippians 2:3-4). It can be as simple as taking the time to listen to a friend in need, helping an elderly couple with their groceries, or opening your home to someone in need. 

This month, we want to hear how you’ve been showing the love of Christ to those around you! Let’s never cease to do good to those around us (Galatians 6:9) so they will see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:15-16). 

Here are some subthemes to get you started:

  • A community that looks out for each other
  • A community that serves one another
  • A community that goes beyond the margins
  • A community that stays connected

Growing together as a family: church life, fellowship, encouraging each other in the Word, wrestling with difficult questions of the faith, Christ-centered friendships, learning to love God through grief/suffering/brokenness, mental illness, Christ-centered marriages, cell groups, mentoring, praying with each other

Reaching beyond the four walls: relating to those in the margins (the poor and oppressed, singles, those who struggle with same-sex attraction, the homeless), caring for others, mission trips, practising hospitality, serving the community together

Keeping in step with the Spirit: healthy confrontation, spiritual gifts, unity/division, loving those who are difficult, self-care, emotionally healthy spirituality, walking in obedience, accountability, love languages, the fruit of the Spirit