Being in Community
Written by: Kyla McCormick
In the last few years I have been having more and more conversations with other women about community and its importance in our lives. Community is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as a unified body of individuals, such as the people with common interests living in a particular area or as a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society. The society that we are currently living in today often views community as the place where we live but not necessarily as a unified body of individuals.
In earlier times we saw people living in close communities. They truly relied on one another for the physical things that they needed. They valued working, living and gathering together. Today, we have access to the whole world at our finger tips. We are much less reliant on those around us for the things that we need and live more independently. Although how our physical needs are met has shifted, our need for Jesus and community has not.
Colossians 1:16 says “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” We were created by Him and for Him. Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” So not only did He create us but He is inviting us into relationship with Him. A relationship that is true, that fulfills us and transforms us.
The Lord has created us not only for relationship with Him but also with one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 says “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.” As Christians our focus needs to be on Jesus. To have an active relationship with Him, continually growing in our faith. From this relationship with Him we are able to partake in relationships with others. The Lord is faithful to give us all that we need and from that filling, we are able to pour into others. We can only give what we ourselves have received. This is where true community begins and how it flourishes.
I believe the question is not what community we are in but WHO we are in community WITH. Being in community with others when Jesus is the focus creates beautiful and life changing friendships. These friendships are rooted in Christ and allow us to see each other the way He does. How fearfully and wonderfully He has made each person (Psalm 139:14). We are able, through Christ, to meet each friend right where they are at and support them. We are able to encourage and love them, as the Lord calls us to.
In recent years I have prayed for Godly friendships. For other woman who were seeking the Lord to do life with. The Lord has answered my prayers and blessed me abundantly with many incredible woman who truly have become my sisters. These friendships look and feel different than the ones I have had before. I can be vulnerable and share the good and bad. I have been able to let them into my life, even the messy and uncomfortable parts. Romans 12:15 says to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” These are friends who truly rejoice and weep with me. They have come alongside me in it all and there is nothing like it! In return, I have also been able to do the same for them.
We are all sinners and fall short however if we are willing to come to the table to sit with Him, He will continue mold and shape us into who He created us to be. That same table is where we can come together with others to live and serve here on Earth in community, unified in Christ. Praise God for the gift of community that He blesses us with!
Prayer:
Lord, we thank you that we are able to have a relationship with you! We thank you that you love us and accept us right where we are at but that you do not leave us this way. We thank you that it is your desire for us to have friendships and a community that is centered around you. We pray Lord that you would continue to sanctify us. To give us eyes and hearts to see others the way you do and a willingness to walk alongside them. We pray that you would help us to be vulnerable and allow others into our lives as well. You have designed it all so perfectly and we are so grateful to be in relationship with you and others! We pray this in your name Jesus, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
Do you have a community of Godly women? If not, spend some time praying and asking the Lord to bring them into your life. If you do, spend some time praying for each of them, thanking Him for them.
Is there anything that is keeping you from being vulnerable and sharing your life with others? Pray and ask the Lord to show you and let Him into this place.
If you have a spouse or family member who is need of a Godly friendship, pray for the Lord to bring them these friendships.