Community
Recently, I’ve been observing the power of community and the power in helping other believers - not only in spiritual matters, but even in regular everyday tasks.
For example, recently, I was very sick, and several people in my Christian community came to my aid, as a new mom, by assisting me with my tasks at home, so I could rest and could have a meal. And that’s not the only time we, as a Christian community have banded together to help. Whether we make meals for each other, offer to help in a task, or meet a need before the person can ask, we strive to help each other however we can.
But that’s what the Bible instructs us to do:
Galatians 6:10 AMP
So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).
Hebrews 13:16 ESV
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Notice how both scriptures speak to a type of selflessness that is required to help someone else. If you’re stingy or unwilling to help someone, especially a fellow Christian, how can you truly show the love of God - especially when you have the means to do so and refuse?
1 John 3:17 NKJV
But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
1 John really calls us out individually. If you’re only interested in yourself and your own needs, and neglect that of others, how are you sharing the love of God?
I’ll leave you with one of the best examples of a community of believers:
Acts 2:40-47 NKJV (bold for emphasis)
A Vital Church Grows
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
I implore you to fully embrace and walk in community! That’s why I am so grateful to my community. Instead of just being Saints in word, they have it in deed too. What a blessing it is to have community.