I’ve recently been thinking about how essential community is. In faith, but also in life. I think we have gotten into the habit of locking ourselves behind walls built from phone and computer screens. We want people to see us, but we don’t really want to be seen. But there is so much power in we. It is not some optional idealistic principle, it is the very fabric of humanity, Gen 1:26 and Gen 2:18. Community (we) is the determined joy that peaks through the darkest places. While you are weeping in overwhelming sadness it is we that wraps you in a loving embrace beating back the brokenness with love James 5:16.
Kisses, hugs, high fives, loving looks, laughter these are the gifts of we, because let’s face it, you can do these things on your own, but it isn’t the same. Frankly it’s a little awkward. We makes these actions special, fills them with meaning. Even arguments and frustrations, conflicts and struggle, we as community make them weighty and valuable, because in community the challenges become lessons instead of just hardships.
I joked with a friend the other day that it takes a village to raise a relationship too. It’s true. We always think of relationships in terms of one on one but even relationships that appear to be one on one are deeply affected by other orbiting entities; mothers, fathers, siblings, friends, mentors Roman 12:3-6. All of our relastionships effect our other relationships. We are pratcicing love and patience and kindness every time we witness another human, and we don’t always succeed in our interactions, but the world is full of people who need us exactly as much as we need them. So the least We can do is keep trying to get it right. We need we to be better humans 1 Pet 4:8-11.
Jesus Girl 