Community

I was with a friend at the pub the other day and he very kindly pointed out the huge snot mark on my shoulder, and I was wearing a jumper I had only just taken out the wash! The joy of children.
It's good to have friends like that, who point out the problems and issues. It is good though to have friends who point out the deeper issues.
I was talking to someone in church yesterday, and we were remarking on this very fact. How surely, if we are an authentic community that reflects Christ, we should be able to "watch over one another" and speak truthfully into each others situations. Maybe this is the challenge, that it is not nearly enough to be ‘a part of a community’ but you need to be ‘part of a community’ and all that entails. Not just a part of you, but your whole self making part of the community. This may include vulnerability, maybe openness to receive love and criticism but most definitely care and a togetherness.