Chapter 19- Cultivating Community

There are many challenges involved when you bring multiple cultures and personalities together. In order to grow and thrive in any diverse community, there are tools of cultivation that must be used. Two of the main tools that come to mind are humility and honesty. What else does it take to cultivate a positive, productive group?

I thought Warren brought it together nicely on page 151 where he said, "I urge you to make a group covenant that includes the nine characteristics of biblical fellowship: We will share our true feelings (authenticity), encourage each other (mutuality), support each other (sympathy), forgive each other (mercy), seek the truth in love (honesty), admit our weaknesses (humility), respect our differences (courtesy), not gossip (confidentiality), and make group a priority (frequency)."

What came to mind for me is what Paul wrote to the Galatians about the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..." If you exercise the fruit of the spirit, you will cultivate successful communities and relationships.