Created for Community:
God created us to be in community. Even though it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and isolate ourselves, we have to prioritize time with fellow believers.
Even before creation, God had a perfect community within the Trinity - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Despite this perfection, He chose to create us and He wants us to be in fellowship with Him and other believers.
We are all part of His kingdom! On earth, Jesus formed a community with the 12 disciples, and an even more intimate group with Peter, James, and John.
In John 17, Jesus prayed for us as a body of Christ. He asked that we may be one, just as Him and the Father are one. God's desire is for unity. In order to be more like Him, we need to love His people.
Furthermore, sin introduces isolation and separation. In our sinful human nature, we require the support of those who will point us to Jesus.
Take Action:
So, what can our godly community do for us and how can we minister to those in the body of Christ?
Pray together and seek God's guidance
Keep each other accountable in living a life aligned with God's word.
Gather together for worship
Provide wise counsel and guidance based on biblical principles.
Serve one another selflessly
Fellowship with one another to build strong relationships
Engage in mission work together, sharing the love of Christ with the world.
Cultivate a culture of forgiveness, recognizing our imperfections and extending grace.
Demonstrate genuine love for one another, reflecting God's love for his people.
Being an active part of the body of Christ not only refreshes our souls, but also strengthens our journey with the Lord.
Verses to Remember:
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
John 17:20-21
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Matthew 18:20
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
1 Peter 2:9-10
“...that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
1 Corinthians 12:25-26