Words were heated as we thrashed out ideas for a title. Dueling thesauruses cut down one lousy suggestion after another. Is this study about a kingdom or cleansing? Is it directed toward people who are persecuted, oppressed, unclean, burdened, hopeless, or just plain confused? How much do I care?
I have spent the last four days with writers who care (sometimes too much) about a project to produce study guides for small groups who want to meet Jesus. I love to write, but it is usually a solitary pursuit. This week it is corporate. I love my fellow authors and look forward to these annual gatherings, but it can be exhausting. The sparring over words and ideas invigorates me even when I lose the argument.
Way back at the beginning of human time, God saw a solitary man and said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make a helper fit for him.” (Genesis 2:18) We were made for community, just as God himself is a community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I need these companions like a splintery board needs sandpaper. It is a good thing when they prove me wrong because I learn so much more than when I prove them wrong.
Romans 12:10 reminds me, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” I guess I have my orders for the rest of this afternoon.