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Years ago, one of my closest friends got cancer. Thankfully, she fully recovered and hasn’t had any recurrences. But that time was tough for her family. She had a baby under the age of one. It was time for her village to step in and help. I set up a meal schedule, people to watch her baby, rides to treatments, everything we could think of that would help them concentrate on her healing instead of all the details of life. A community makes a difference in both good times and bad. Here are 5 Bible verses to encourage community involvement in your life.
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
It makes perfect sense when we apply this verse to purely physical burdens. You see a neighbor struggling to carry in a load of groceries, and so you go and take a few bags out of their hands. But when it comes to emotional burdens, or things you can’t actually see, then it’s much harder to offer help. How many times have you heard someone say, “I didn’t want to be a burden”? But the Apostle Paul specifically instructs people to bear each other’s burdens. And what is the law of Christ this action fulfills? Love one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
It’s more difficult to grow in isolation. I can only motivate myself so far with exercising and eating right. But when I know my trainer is coming over on Friday, I do better the rest of the week. I know she’ll ask, and we agreed upon my goals together, so I’d better keep up my end of the bargain. And so it is with an encouraging community. We need each other, friends. Gather your people and spur one another on.
1 Corinthians 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
Everyone plays a role in the life of any community, spiritual or not. In a neighborhood, an apartment building, a workplace, you have a place. Without you, that community would not be the same. You may not feel like you belong sometimes, but the Bible assures us that we have a place. Let your little light shine.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
When you go hiking on a marked trail, cycling on a bike path, or sailing out on the open water, most experts would advise you to not go alone. It’s safer because if a mishap occurs, there’s someone with you to help—or you’re there to help the other person. It’s also often more enjoyable to share experiences with others. Bottom line: Being connected with others in community can deeply enhance our experiences in life.
Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
In a fractured world. unity means so much. Jesus prayed in what is known as the “high priestly prayer” that His disciples would be one just as He and the Father are one. He also told His disciples that people would know they belong to Him if they love one another. The picture of people in a faith community unified and loving each other is a beautiful image to the world of God’s love for us.
Listen to a short segment of this meditation from Abide based on Psalm 133:1.
Wherever you are right now, whether in joy or sorrow, let a community of encouragers share your life. It’s not easy to take the first step, but it’s worth it when you find your people.
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Stephanie Reeves is the senior editor for Abide. She lives in Orlando, FL., with her husband, three adult children, and one adorable grandson.
