The Importance Of Community
With everything going on in today’s world it seemed fitting to discuss the importance of community. In a society that pushes the idea of being self made, we can see all around us the decline in what use to be a world that leaned heavily on others. So many today are secretly hurting and feeling lonely in efforts to keep up the façade that they don’t need anyone. As followers of Christ we are not called to live under this prideful ideology!
God has provided us with many scriptures in his word that speak to the importance of community! There are two scriptures that come to mind that I believe convey the need for community beautifully. The first is the well known scripture Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”. The second is Romans 1:11-12 “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong. That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith”. These two scriptures alone lets us know that we were not created to walk this Earth alone! They highlight the need for others and how we are to encourage and support one another in times of need. Having a community to lean on is vital in this life.
The adversary knows how powerful we are when we come together, which is why he’s working overtime to tear down relationships and keep us apart! Godly community holds us accountable, builds a healthier society, and gives us new perspective that we otherwise may not have seen on our own! When we are alone, it’s easier for the enemy to manipulate our minds, but where there’s community we can boldly stand against the lies of Satan! We are called to carry one another’s burdens and to esteem others better than ourselves! It’s no surprise Satan wants us to behave in the opposite manner and choose self. When we choose self we think it’s all about us and see no need for others! This is the biggest pitfall of our world today and it’s no wonder we’re so isolated like never before.
I encourage you all to ask God to bring Godly community into your lives. Seek God and pray for discernment as you begin the journey of leaning on others. Pray for fulfilling relationships where you not only benefit, but also serve as a blessing in someone else’s life! My prayer is that we lay down our pride and see how much stronger we are together in the body of Christ!
Scriptures on Community
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”. (Galatians 6:2)
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity”. (Proverbs 17:17)
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”. (Matthew 18:20)
“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”. (Hebrews 10:25)
Special Prayer Request
I ask that you all join me in prayer for every individual affected by the recent floods in Texas that have left so many families hearts shattered! Pray that the Lord gives them strength as they pick up the pieces and forge on during this difficult time. Please especially pray for those who lost loved ones.
Heavenly Father,
I ask that you wrap your arms around every single person affected by the floods in Texas and give them the comfort that only you can bring! Lord give them community that steps in to help carry this unimaginable heavy burden Lord! We acknowledge that our human mind is limited and that we can’t understand why things happen the way they do, so we pray now God that we not become offended in you. Father, I pray that you give peace that goes beyond our understanding! In the mighty name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen!
Written By: Amber Alycee
Photo Credits: <a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/group-holding-hands">Group Holding Hands Stock photos by Vecteezy</a>