Being in relationship with community is not only being in relationship within our own community, but also reaching out to other communities, ones that are different from our own, to create relationships together. It is easy to recognize the benefits received by being in relationship within our own community. And yet, the greatest benefits, the most learning, and the most holy growth occur when we are in relationship with other communities, recognizing God’s presence elsewhere, humbly asking if we might be part of the amazing things God is doing there. Perhaps these other communities are of a different faith, or from a different place, or maybe their people look different from ours.

Whatever the difference, it is in the diversity different communities bring that we are pushed out-side our comfort zones to learn new ways and new perspectives, catching a glimpse of the Holy realm God intends for us.For we believe as Paul teaches, when we take up this challenge “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” then through that love, we come together (Ephesians 4:2-3).