Many dogs will bark aggressively at the sight of their reflection in the mirror. Why? Because they don’t understand they are actually looking at themselves and feeling threatened they go into fight-or-flight mode. As believers, every time we interact with one another, we have an opportunity to look ourselves in the mirror, and the way we respond to others reveals what is in our own hearts.

Sadly, so often we can pick at each other’s differences, allowing pride and personal opinions to cause division. We bite and bark at one another, not realizing we are attacking ourselves as members of the same body (Rom. 12:5). We go into fight-or-flight mode when instead we ought to pursue peace and to build one another up (Rom. 14:19). Pursuing our own interests leads to division, but we have a new way in Christ.

The purpose of community is not to change everyone into my likeness. But the purpose of community is to reveal and reflect Christ’s likeness for the glory of God. Challenges in relationships reveal where we need to mature to become more like Christ. As we surrender and receive the generosity of His grace and love to transform us, may it overflow into patience and encouragement towards others so they too may be transformed by Him.

Reflection: Take time to look in the mirror of community.

- Where do you struggle in your relationships with fellow believers? What does this reveal about what you need to repent of and surrender to become more like Christ?

- Who have you witnessed model Christ’s likeness in community? Share with that person and praise God for how you have seen the transformative power of the Gospel at work in their life and in the community of our church.