Acts 19:23 About that time no little disturbance broke out concerning the Way.
I have lived in an intentional community for the last four years. Together, we are covenanted and committed to sharing our life rhythms and acting within shared values and common work. The five of us are, like the early church, attempting to work out lives as disciples of Jesus together. And, like the early church, disturbances break out as we attempt to discern our paths forward in the Way. Is nonviolence always the answer? Should we plant one cucumber or two? Wine or grape juice?
When things are done in community,even the simplest questions can become hours-long debates—values clash against values, different family stories and upbringings rear their heads, and questions are left hanging in the air. What keeps us together is the knowledge that we are yoked to an ancient tradition of arguing and discerning in love—and the river running beneath it all is the beautiful life and love of Jesus.
MOVING FORWARD: How will you invite your community into healthy habits of discernment and discussion?