TO FOLLOW JESUS IS TO LIVE IN COMMUNITY

“Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this. Whether it is a brief, single encounter or the daily fellowship of years, Christian community is only this. We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Community is important for several reasons. When we consider its importance, we need to look at it through the lens of the One who created it and us. It is not only important but also the key to discipleship and experiencing a fully abundant life. 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 hanging out together, they saw Jesus perform miracles. They were immersed in Jesus’ teaching and way of life together.

God didn’t design you to do life on your own. Scripture is filled with exhortations to engage in community with fellow believers. Galatians 6:2 says, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Psalm 133:1-3 says, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”  

Think for a moment about the people God has given you. Think about your friends and family. Think about those around you at church you feel close to. What would your life be like if you had no one to share it with? The truth is we need each other: the support, the encouragement, the help along the way. Christian life is not easy, and there are many hills and valleys along the way. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

God gives us community as a way to become more like Him. There’s something powerful about believers joining together, making each other accountable, and being a sort of witness of one another’s lives. We need people checking in on us, asking the hard questions, and challenging us to live out our faith. If you are not a small group member, please consider joining one. It gives people confidence in the model scripture, in Jesus’s constantly calling people together and inviting them into a relationship with Him and each other.

There is something extraordinary about growing together in communion with one another. When God’s people are living in unity together, we grow closer to Jesus.

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?