Monday – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15  
This week we are moving along with our study of community by looking at another positive aspect—accountability. Unity and fellowship are vital parts of community, but we also want to grow together on this journey. Accountability is simply holding one responsible for his or her thoughts, actions, and words. In his letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul calls upon the community to be sympathetic to the specific needs of its members. Once we are able to evaluate the hearts of others, we see where we might need to lovingly admonish, encourage, help, or be patient. The goal brings us back to our idea of “sharing together” and putting the needs of every part of the body before ours. The reciprocal love and concern found in a fully-functioning community welcome the accountability shared between its members as the community strives toward the greatest possible outcome.