Individualism is a core value of American culture. In this country, a central goal of parenting is to raise children to become independent and self-sufficient adults. The underlying assumption for this reality and cultural practice is the belief that each of us has the agency and responsibility to look for our own interests without becoming a burden to others. Yes, we live in a community and need each other, but we should not depend on each other.
Nevertheless, the biblical idea of community differs from our cultural understanding and values. Even though individuality is essential, as each of us is created in the image of the Triune God, our existence is determined by our interdependence. As the body of Christ, the Church is the most remarkable example of this reality that exemplifies the connection between what some theologians call “the one and the many,” or the relationships between our individuality and our community based on our image of God’s identity. In Christ, we are members of one body. Yes, we are individuals, but our community, the body of Christ, defines us. We cannot live or grow in our relationship with God in isolation. We need each other; we depend on each other as members of only one body.
How shall we live as a community without losing our individual agency? Love is the answer. We can love one another because God first loved us. Loving God and loving one another as God loves us is the fulfillment of the law and the statement that summarizes the purpose of our existence. Our love for one another also represents the greatest testimony of our faith in Christ:
“By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” (John 13:35). Love is not an option; it’s the only way.
But love is practical. One of our Scripture passages today (Romans 12) provides a list of specific actions that we all must take as followers of Christ: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another…distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another…” The Christian life could be summarized as love in action.
Love becomes a reality when we move from self-interest, self-sufficiency, and self-serving to mutual interest, mutual dependence, and mutual serving. Can you imagine how different our communities would be if we constantly looked for the interests of others instead of ours? But we can only love those we know and can only know them if we are close to them. Distance only brings suspicion and indifference, while closeness brings empathy. How close are we to those who are different from us? We have the example of Jesus Christ, who became a human being for us even though he was different and better. Easter is more than a past event––the cross and resurrection are the way to live as a loving community that reflects the love of God to everybody.
Prayer
Our Father, the open arms of Jesus at the cross visually represent how vast your love for us is. We receive your unconditional love and grace with gratitude and humility. Your love compels us to love others as you have loved us. We need your Spirit, and we always need one another. May our actions always reflect Christ to everybody.
Note: This Biola University Advent Devotional was published here on March 5, 2024.
