it's called community

1 John 2:10 (NLT)

Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.

In the last month or so I have found myself in several situations that are defined by the word community.  The situations are from a wide range of happenings; from a local organizations I am part of to a spiritual retreat I went on; to some friendships that encourage me big time.

 

It was over six years ago that I read an article that challenged the way I think of what community is.  In fact the way I understand community was changed in big ways not long before The Community Fellowship became a church.  I am challenged every time I think about the word and challenged even more when people share the understanding God has given them.

Community is not about where you live.  That word does define where you live, but I am referring to the fact that Christians from many different locations can make up a community.  It is when those people come together, even not very often, but when they do, there is something that draws them together and encourages them.

Literally community is a group of believers united around a cause that is bigger and more important than themselves.  Community can be called a church because a church in it’s purest form is the community that God made to help us live life, find abundance and to encourage one another through.

I am encouraged by true community.  Community is when like-minded believers encourage one another.  Community happens when we share what God is doing in our lives and that encourages or challenges others.  Community is when your life finds meaning and when you are linked to other Christians.

It is my understanding of our God and His plan for our lives that He desires for us to live in and thrive in community with other believers.  When we distance ourselves from people, we won’t experience the community God created for us.  When we join forces to serve others, to fellowship and spend time with other Christians, we will experience the community that God created for us to enjoy. 

It’s called community, and we need to experience it.

1 Corinthians 14:26 (NLT)

Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.