Community

Christian community reflects the very nature of God.  God Himself exists eternally as a relationship of three persons in perfect communion.  From Genesis, God declared it was not good for man to be alone.  As Christ was preparing his disciples for his death and resurrection, he reassured them saying “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.”

While the Holy Spirit plays a powerful role in the church, Jesus also calls his people into relationship with one another.  The early church exemplified his teaching by sharing resources among one another, meeting regularly, praying together and meeting each others’ physical and spiritual needs.  The body of Christ is designed for mutual interdependence – for encouragement, correction, service and care.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians describing the church as the body of Christ clearly shows that spiritual growth and maturity are not solitary pursuits.  The unity of faith we are to attain can be achieved only within the context of community.  It reflects Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Community also provides support when someone falters or stumbles.  God often relieves the suffering, temptation and discouragement that can accompany the Christian through the grace and comfort of other believers. Mutual accountability protects against error, self-deception and moral compromise.

As such, it also provides a teaching and testing ground for the exercise of spiritual gifts.  Each person’s unique gifts are discovered, developed and employed to build up the body of Christ collectively.  Most importantly, community demonstrates God’s love for others, serving as a powerful witness to the world.  Loving across differences, forgiving genuinely, and serving sacrificially conveys the gospel in ways words cannot. 

Have you been in community today?