Justice, Pt 10: Mutuality

Justice

Mar 5

Read this Teaching Recap

Over three weeks in the middle of the Justice series, we have been distilling what we’ve explored so far into guiding values for Justice & Mission at Refuge. In this third week we looked at the value mutuality.

Mutuality is a relationship where people engage as equals, where no one party exclusively takes the position of a teacher or a provider. Rather, each party is seen as a contributor and learner who holds dignity, value, and insight.

1. In Mutuality, we learn to receive
This is not giving a hand out or a hand up, but a holding of hands—walking together toward a common goal. In Luke 9-10, Jesus sends the disciples out, making it so they would be dependent on the hospitality and gifts of the people they would minister to. In Mark 14, Jesus elevates to the place of teacher a woman whom the disciples saw as an obstacle or a charity case. When it comes to serving the poor, if we walk away grateful only that “we’re not them,” then we have failed to fully listen to what God might want to do.

2. In Mutuality, we learn to amplify other voices
This again is about the way we view the poor or those we are serving—not as mere victims but as important community members. We walk alongside people, seeing them as contributors and leaders with agency to make change, even when that requires us to place a greater emphasis on relationship over efficiency. When we attempt to be a voice for the voiceless, are we assuming they have nothing to say? Instead, we can trade “speaking for” for “speaking with.”

Why do we care about mutuality? Because time and time again, this is how Jesus meets us. He sees us and listens to us and amplifies our voice. He doesn’t see us as obstacles, but as his co-laborers, participating with Him in the work of renewal.

Do this Practice Tonight

Reflection. Take a moment to consider how God is shaping your mind, heart, body and soul through this study on Justice. Give time and space to share from one of these questions or as many as time allows. Offer one another love and prayerful attention as you listen.

What are you noticing as you see people from different backgrounds and cultures around our city, nation, and world?
Name and give voice to what you are learning in the Justice series.
Are there any tensions or resistances you are becoming more aware of within your heart-mind related to Justice and Mission?
What do you think God might be wanting to teach us as a community?

Discussion. Remember the two main ideas from the conversation on Mutuality: 1) In Mutuality, we learn to receive, and 2) In Mutuality, we learn to amplify other voices:

What do you imagine co-powerment or “co-creation” looks like within your spheres (home, work, relationships, communities)?
Are there any specific ways you see God inviting you (or our group) into “learning to receive” or “amplifying other voices”?
We are invited into a beautiful redeeming work of creation with Jesus, as he offers us the question “What do you want me to do for you?” like that of Bartimaeus. Is there some longing or desire that is staying with you about the call of Mutuality?

Prayer. Share with one another any particular areas of longing, hopes, or desires you’d like prayer for. Jesus is asking you, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Read the Practice for the Week

Spend some time reading and sitting with one or more of the passages of Scripture, listening with God and trusting His voice to hold you and help you see like Jesus in mutuality. Write down any questions that come to mind.

Share this time with a companion over coffee. (Maybe you were challenged by “time revolves around relationships not relationships around time.”)