Together

Have you ever had a day where everything seemed to be falling apart, and just when you were about to throw in the towel, someone gave you an encouraging word? As discussed in Sunday’s sermon, Paul mastered the art of building broken spirits. Likewise, the encouraging letters he sent and his intentional approach of togetherness paved the way for fulfilling what you, I, and our community need so desperately. Despite the do-it-yourself attitude possessed by many in today’s culture, God created us to live and function as a whole. We need moments where someone says just the right thing at just the right time. We need people to come alongside us in prayer during difficult times. We need someone to cheer us on when we succeed. These are the moments that make the difference. Community allows us to experience Jesus’ love at a deeper level, build character, and grow spiritually.

Furthermore, community prompts us to love others more like Jesus, act more like Jesus, and lead others closer to Him. As easy as it is to read the Bible, go to church, and pray on our own, we are selling ourselves, and our community short if we do not engage with others on a deeper level. To be more like Christ is to act like Him, and in order to act like Him we must express care for others. When we choose to invest our time, prayer, and encouragement into people, it is mutually beneficial. Doing so, they will receive the encouragement needed as we become more like Christ. In a healthy relationship this will also be reciprocated.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 confirms this by stating,

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

It’s time for The Church to get real with others. Instead of focusing on the processes and functions of what being a Christian “should” look like, we need to step out into our community and start to live it. Together. 

Written by: Tamara Sturdivant

Edited by: De Ann Sturdivant