Practice of true community involves responsibilities and actions that do not come naturally to us

Practice of true community involves responsibilities and actions that do not come naturally to us

Jerry Bridges, a renowned Christian author and speaker, often emphasized the importance of practicing true community within the body of believers. He believed that true community involves responsibilities and actions that do not come naturally to us, but are essential for building strong relationships and fostering spiritual growth.

One of the key aspects of true community, according to Bridges, is the idea of sacrificial love. This means putting the needs of others above our own, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. In his book "True Community: The Biblical Practice of Koinonia," Bridges writes, "True community involves a willingness to sacrifice our own desires and preferences for the good of others. It means being willing to serve, even when it is not convenient, and to love unconditionally, even when it is not reciprocated."

This idea of sacrificial love is not something that comes naturally to most of us. We are often more focused on our own needs and desires, and it can be challenging to put others first. However, Bridges believed that true community requires us to go beyond our natural inclinations and to actively seek out ways to serve and love those around us.

Another aspect of true community that Bridges emphasized is the idea of accountability. He believed that we are called to hold one another accountable in our walk with Christ, to encourage and challenge each other to live lives that are pleasing to God. This can be a difficult task, as it requires us to be vulnerable and open to correction from others. However, Bridges believed that accountability is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.

In his book "The Discipline of Grace," Bridges writes, "Accountability is not about judgment or condemnation, but about lovingly pointing one another towards Christ and helping each other to grow in our faith." This idea of accountability can be challenging, as it requires us to be humble and willing to accept feedback from others. However, Bridges believed that it is a crucial aspect of true community, and that we are called to walk alongside one another in our journey of faith.