THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

“I grew up in the church, and I always kind of knew Bible stories and knew the Sunday school answers, but when I was a freshman in high school I joined youth group, and that’s when I started to see radical love; that’s when I started to see what Christian community is supposed to look like and what fellowship is supposed to look like.” – Jeremy Lin, professional basketball player.

We seem to live in a society that greatly promotes individualism, but this isn’t always a good thing because we were not created to go through life alone. God created us to be in relationship with one another.

While on Earth, Jesus gathered a group of believers to join Him in His journey of changing the world. These 12 men, known as the disciples, traveled with Jesus and learned from His teachings. They educated others about the teachings of Jesus and continued to do so after His death. Jesus had the power to go about His journey alone, but He chose to live in community with His disciples. This serves as an example to us of the importance of living in community. After all, we were created with the need for companionship.

There are numerous benefits to being part of a loving, Christian community. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Being part of a community allows us to build meaningful friendships. Our friends encourage us and walk alongside us when we are going through trials, and we do the same for them. Most importantly, friends can help us to remain faithful and obedient in our walk with Christ, and He is present when we gather in His name. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Ultimately, living in community is a crucial aspect of living a Christian life.  The early church, described in Acts 2, is an excellent example of this as well. Whatever the believers did, they did it together, building community in the process. From the big things in life to the small things, they did them together and learned about who they were and who God is at the same time.  As followers of Jesus, our community is the space where we grow in love and become conduits of God’s love to others.

Jesus modeled finding community when He chose 12 men to walk alongside and disciple. Jesus was in a relationship with these twelve for three years. They ate and talked around campfires, caught fish, and shared stories. Beyond the regular ups and downs of spending time together, they witnessed Jesus perform miracles. They were immersed in Jesus’ teaching and way of life together.

God gives us community as a way to become more like Him. There’s something powerful about believers joining together, holding each other accountable, and serving as a witness to one another’s lives. We need people checking in on us, asking the hard questions, and challenging us to live out our faith.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you have someone or a group of people you can be authentic, be yourself with, without any facades or false fronts? 
2. Small groups are about doing life together. A place where you can grow closer to God, others, and your purpose. Agree or disagree?
3. Having a community of believers to do life together is just as important today, but why?