We can see many clear signs that show the way to true love and community. But it is quite wrong to accuse us of making life in community a matter of compulsion. By no means. It is Another who demands it and compels us to it; but neither He nor we want to force anyone. Never! Whoever is not driven by love and an inner calling should leave it alone. It is an urgent longing for enduring life and joy, it is fear of God’s wrath, that drives us and urges us to obey Him. That is the source of community life. It is not us. It is not our invention. It cannot be our undertaking. Many of us have had a livelihood and property and a strong self-will. We liked it all, too. We felt comfortable in it. But love for Christ and for the poor drove us to do what we do and confess to now.

Community is not compulsory, it is a joyful act of surrender.