February 18, 2022 THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, and 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.”
Genesis 2:18 “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
It is obvious to most that our culture is one where individuals are finding themselves more isolated-not connected; many believe that we have become ‘addicted’ to technology, viz. smart phones, I phones, lap-tops, and thus more isolated. In an article by Dudley Hall, he says that men are in a crisis-a crisis of not having friends-a crisis of loneliness. I agree that not only is there a crisis of loneliness among men, but women and young people as well. We must remember that in the beginning of the creation of man, God said that “It is not good that the man should be alone.” We can rightly conclude from that statement, whether male or female, we need others. As you read the New Testament, as well as the Old Testament, you see community-people being connected. In the New Testament particular, you get a clear picture of believers being in community; believers make up the body of Christ, and as a part of the body, we are connected. Each believer has been given a spiritual gift that is to be used to strengthen and bless other believers. (Being connected, being in community, is not always a ‘bed of roses;’ Just as there is sometimes conflict within a family, there will at times be conflicts and differing opinions as we live in community with others.) There are many blessings and many good reasons for being a part of body-life, of being in community. As we are connected to others, we discover that where we may be weak, others are strong; where we may lack understanding, others can give wise counsel; when someone is suffering, we can comfort; in community, through honest and real conversation, we can find strength and support; in community, we can share struggles without fear of rejection or embarrassment; and, we can enjoy each other, and have some fun together. Some are more social or outgoing than others, and some or more private-and that is fine; the point is, that no matter our temperament, we need others. Someone has said that ‘No man is an island,’ and that is true. God has placed within us a need to share life with others. However it may look for you, find ways of connecting with others in the body of Christ and grow together.
1 Corinthians 12:12 “For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.”
John 15:12 “My commandment is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
1 John 3:17 “If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?”
Blessings,
Buddy
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