Why Community Matters
Let’s be honest, people are messy and friendships are hard. How many of us have been hurt by a friend, betrayed by someone we trusted, or felt like we were the only ones making any effort in the relationship? I know I have. So, what’s the point? Sometimes it seems easier to just not even try to have friends.
What many of us may not realize is the significant impact social isolation and loneliness can have on our overall health. Mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, without a viable source of community in our lives, our health is at great risk. Don’t believe me? Just Google the impacts of social isolation and loneliness (the stats will shock you!). Sure, it may be more convenient to disengage from being in community, but the reality is: we need people.
While our personal health should be a big proponent of having relationships in our lives, I’d like to challenge us more deeply as to why community matters.
Looking beyond what you can gain from relationships, have you thought about what you can offer to others within a community environment? When I think about the people in my life who I value and feel a deep connection to, I think about what they bring into the relationship. What stands out to me is that what they offer doesn’t just make me want to be a better person, but I am a better person because of them. Oftentimes these are the people who help me grow spiritually, encourage me, bring out the best parts of me, and challenge me to reach my full potential.
God designed us to be in community with other people. As unique individuals, we have our own God-given gifts and abilities to bring into each relationship. While we can help others become their best selves, we can also lead others toward spiritual growth as Christ followers. When we are connected to those pursuing intimacy with Christ, we too have the potential to grow spiritually as God uses other people in our lives.
Throughout Scripture, God emphasizes the importance of living in a community—
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 speaks about the advantages of companionship, stating that two are better than one because they can support each other.
- Proverbs 27:17 highlights how iron sharpens iron, indicating that relationships can foster growth and improvement.
- Hebrews 10:24-25 says that we should not neglect meeting with people and that it is important to encourage one another toward love and good deeds.
Jesus left us with this commandment: “That you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). We are seen as disciples of Jesus when we step toward others in love. Therefore, our relationships will be a testament to who Jesus Christ is. How we engage in community becomes a statement of our faith.
So, if you find yourself struggling to step into a community because it’s more comfortable to do life alone, might I encourage you to try a different perspective? I believe God has called you to a greater life to be lived alongside people. To experience the joy and freedom of being fully known and fully loved by others. Whatever your past experiences have been with friendships, I pray that you would open your heart to the possibility of experiencing a deep, authentic community. It is possible. While it won’t always be easy, the fruit of relational connection will lead you toward the full life God has always intended you to have. We were not meant to do life alone.
If you’re ready to take that step towards finding your people, sign up for one of the many community groups we offer here at Flatirons.