There’s something so easily done yet God really hates it – dysfunctional community. In the seventh century a Greek theologian named John of Damascus described the Trinity as perichoresis which literally means circle dance. The perichoretic image of the Trinity is of the three persons of God in constant movement in a circle. The concept implies unity, intimacy, and harmony. Perichoresis is often used to illustrate a theology of teams or teamwork and is an incredibly vivid portrayal of community.
As you read through Scripture, God has much to say about the value, function, and protection of community. He loves relationship; He values connection. I was reading earlier today about the things that God doesn’t necessarily like. After reading Proverbs 6:16-19, it hit me. God doesn’t like intentional behavior that disrupts community and creates dissension. Read the passage for yourself:
Typically when a list is presented (six items and a seventh), it’s a progression of thought which develops to heighten or emphasize the seventh. Look at the progression. God hates the behaviors of pride, misleading, defaming, evil planning, harming, story telling, and pitting individuals against another. Each of these demonstrates intentional disruption and in some cases destruction of community. God hates it when I act out in a way that creates divisiveness or fosters dysfunctional community.
God blesses community. There’s power and purpose in community. Think about it as you read Matthew 18:19-20:
So what do I take away from this?
- I too need to value community
- I need to guard community
- I need to intentionally relate well with others
- I need to live well in community
- I need to seek to build, develop, and empower
