Spiritually Transformed Communities

(Katie) Since I am getting a degree in Spiritual Formation, I am fascinated about how we actively pursue becoming people and communities who are transformed into Christ-likeness. Lately, I’ve asked: What does a spiritually transformed social dimension (friendships/community) look like? 

This question has caused James and I to pause and contemplate. In the midst of working full-time, graduate school, and ministering to college students, we are recognizing that we do not have the same relational capacity to balance a plethora of friendships. Therefore, we’ve spent time trying to discern what we value in friendships so that we can be intentional with people who are drawing us closer to Jesus and who desire to see genuine love predominate relationships. With the help of Paul in Romans 12:9-21, I’ve resolved upon the following list as the qualities that I desire to be manifested in our friendships. I want to move towards and be intentional with people who exhibit these characteristics. While this list may not be the qualities that you desire in a community, imagine what it would be like to have friends who shared the intention to live these out, even with imperfection.

Before reading the following qualities, I want to be clear that relationships must  occur within the context of GRACE because in our best efforts, we will all fall short.

·      Letting Love Be Completely Real

·      Abhorring what is Evil

·      Clinging to What is Good

·      Being Devoted and For One Another

·      Outdoing One Another in Giving Honor

·      Serving the Lord with Ardent Spirit and All Dilligence

·      Rejoicing with Others in Hope

·      Being Patient in Troubles

·      Constantly being Devoted to Prayer

·      Contributing to the Needs of Others

·      Pursuing (running after) Hospitality

·      Blessing our enemies, not cursing or gossiping about them to others

·      Being Joyful with those who are Rejoicing and being Sorrowful with those who Mourn

·      Not being haughty, but choosing a posture of meekness and humility

·      Never repaying evil for evil

·      Being at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on you

·      Never taking revenge, but leaving that to whatever God may decide

·      Not being overwhelmed with evil, but overwhelming evil with good

As you read Paul’s attributes of redemptive fellowship:

In which friendships and communities do you see these qualities manifested? Who are the people that draw you closer to Christ rather than away from these attributes? How could you implement putting these attributes into practice in your own life and in your friend group? What are your relational resolves?


I hope this blog can be a launching point for conversation within your group of friends. It is very easy to get stuck in a rhythm of bad habits within our friendships in which we tolerate behaviors that actually move everyone further away from Christ. We must "Redefine Our Friendships"so that together, we agree upon the values that will govern our relationships and what we are mutually resolved to be about. If friendships are made in the context of grace, when we fall short, we can be quick to apologize and don't have to get stuck in defensiveness, pride, or fear. May we become people who are resolved to becoming transformed into Christ-likeness within our friendships! 

M