Living in Community

My notes are probably a little scattered, and are actually more like bullet points than a clear message. Sometimes I'd just sit and listen to what was being said instead of writing everything down. However, here is everything that I thought important enough to write down. Some of it might be obvious, but that just means that you're already really good at living in a community. :)

Living in Community
Speaker: Lia

Living in community doesn't mean they are all alike, and often their commonalities outweigh their differences.

Our commonality is to know God and to make Him known.

Teamwork is emphasized and the sharing of resources, and talents.

Bringing more people together gives us a broader image of who God is and we get to see more of His variety.

There can be unity in diversity. (Ex. European Union)

Celebrate differences and who God created you to be.

There is a little bit of God in everyone, and since we love God we should love other people.

After the honeymoon phase, the differences really kick in.

Practical ways we can better live in a community:

keep floor clean
who should turn off the lights? ("Not me, I'm already in bed. You do it." "No, I'm way over here, you do it.") Someone needs to do it.
Don't stay in the bathroom too long.
Keep good hygiene.
Be sensitive to food likes and dislikes.
Communicate nicely about pet peeves.
Be inclusive. It's easy to feel left out.
Ask before borrowing someone's personal belongings.
Be on time.
Be mindful of cultural differences.
Be mindful of people's personal space.

Differences can cause disagreements, which can turn into conflict if our attitudes are bad.
Pick your battles.

Romans 12:8 As far as it depends on your, live peaceably with one another.

If feelings get hurt, walk in forgiveness.

You have to be willing to receive forgiveness as well as give it.

Ask questions, talk to people, get facts straight.

Learn from others and think about what you want others to learn from you.

Treat others as God treats them.

Phil 2:4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Be where you are and enjoy each moment.