The third principle of Kwanzaa is Ujima (oo-JEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility - To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sister' problems our problems and solve them together.
Working Together
The Scripture passage describes ways in which people in the community are to help each other.
My friends, we ask you to be thoughtful of your leaders who work hard and tell you how to live for the Lord. Show them great respect and love because of their work. Try to get along with each other. My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn't living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone. Don't be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else.
Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.
1 Thessalonians 5.12-18
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What are the needs of your community? Make a list of these needs. Are any of them not being met? What action can you take to address these situations?
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Related Resources
The final principle of Kwanzaa is faith. As Christians we are called to trust God with our lives, purposes and futures.
God designed people to be in relationships. The fifth principle of Kwanzaa, purpose, also involves working for the common good.
Acts contains the account of early Christians sharing their possessions and living in community. The fourth principle of Kwanzaa, cooperative economics, contains a similar message.
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