God is good, but suffering is inescapable. In biblical community we are called to persever together. However, our tendency in times of difficulty and suffering is to draw away from community. In Romans, the Apostle Paul reminds us of three action steps we can take in the midst of difficulty. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer. When we, or those in our community, find ourselves distracted and discouraged by the circumstances of life, authentic community can be one of the greatest tools God uses to remind us of His promises and faithfulness.

Honesty is one of the greatest means of fostering authentic biblical community. God created us to live in community on mission. We have a part to play in seeing that happen in our lives. Most people live life behind masks. Only when we're honest with each other can we experience the beauty of God's intentioned community.

We all have an innate need for community. Although we live in the most connected time in world history, as a society we are as isolated as we have ever been. Virtual connectivity has removed the natural spaces and influence for genuine interaction. Our entire lives are meant to be lived in community on mission.

God grows our faith exclusively through trials and difficulty. James, the half brother of Jesus, instructs us to rejoice when we face trials of many kinds. He doesn't say to celebrate after we've gotten through the difficulty. When we face challenges and trials, God is using those circumstances to increase our steadfastness.

One of the toughest parts of following Jesus is knowing how to truly grow in our relationship with Him. The reality is that no one drifts into a closer relationship with God. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life. The only logical response of someone who has had his or her life changed by God, is to take that message of hope, forgiveness, and love to the people around them.

Being a part of the church is more than just showing up and giving money. As a matter of fact, we show up and give money to a lot of places without being a part of the team. The best way to tell if you're a part of a team is to evaluate whether or not your serving or not. When we give sacrificially of our time, talents, and treasure we become an active part of God's work through the local church.

God has given us a much larger purpose than just increasing attendance on Sunday mornings. While our local church is a small part of the larger church around the world, God has given us a specific call and vision for the work we do as Grace Collective Church. That work must include taking the Gospel to the nations. God is already at work all around us. We have a responsibility and opportunity to join Him in His work.

Joy is more than an emotional response to pleasant circumstances. True joy is found in fellowship with God the Father. In fact, we can pursue joy in our lives. We can be joyful in our response to difficulty as well as pleasant circumstances.

Andy Stanley suggests that anger is the result of not getting what we want. You may be tempted to push back on that idea. In one way or another, he's absolutely right. However, anger is a two-sided emotion. Most people live in the assumption that all anger is sinful. The fact that Jesus was angry is proof to the contrary. In our approach to life, we must learn how to deal with our sinful anger and embrace righteous anger.

Love is the most revealing evidence of God's presence in our lives. Upon hearing the word love, most people think of romantic love or the love of family. The Psalms say very little of either of these kinds of love. However, they are full of references to God's love for His people and their love in return to God. Love as God created it, is exhibited through action on behalf of others. If someone observed your actions for a day, what conclusion would they come to about who you love the most?