Something special happens when we sit with one another around a table and experience community with brothers and sisters. I want to share three things God revealed to me through several passages of scripture about what “coming to the table” in community requires of us.

Being in community requires sacrifice

Luke 22:14-20

Jesus is having His last meal with the disciples before He is crucified. In verse 15, Jesus says that He has “earnestly desired” to eat this meal with His disciples before he suffers. Jesus continues to be intentional with His disciples, even up to this point – even when He knows He is about to suffer a tragic, painful death. He is prepared to die for those who have “come to the table.” As we gather with the women we’re reaching out to, I encourage you to give your time sacrificially and joyfully.

Being in community requires humility

Philippians 2:1-11

Verse 4 reminds us to not only look at our interests, but to also consider the interests of others. Paul reminds us we do not serve a God who sits on His high throne and makes commands, but we serve a God who humbled Himself into the form of man and suffered death on the cross to reach us. I encourage you to humbly serve one another.

Being in community requires grace

Luke 15: 20-24

After reading this passage—the Prodigal Son–I had to ask myself, “When was the last time you ran to someone with open arms, who in your heart was undeserving?” I selfishly think, “This person hasn’t reached out to me – why should I be reaching out to them?” But, this is not how grace works, and luckily, we serve a God who is graceful! I encourage you to pray and love and run to those in your life with the grace of the Prodigal Son’s father, and with the grace of Jesus.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Henderson Harris is an ambitious woman with a deep love for teaching, learning, music, and creativity. She currently gets paid to live out one of her passions – teach elementary-aged students! Amy serves alongside her brothers and sisters in Christ at Aletheia Norfolk where she has the blessing of co-leading the Music Ministry with her husband, Jackson. Amy is also a member of the SBCV Women’s State Ministry Team, where she has the honor of serving women of the state of Virginia. By faithfully using her gifts, Amy encourages and empowers women to seek Christ, to be grounded in His truth and word, and to live a bold life obedient to His calling. To read more or contact Amy, please visit www.amyhendersonharris.com.