Christian Community can change the world.
One of my favorite topics to write about is community, specifically Christian community. Paul wrote a lot about community in his letters that make up the majority of the New Testament.
My mama recently shared with me a story of community at work in her church. In her Sunday School Class, an older woman began talking about her son’s cancer diagnosis and how she disagreed with his choice of treatment. She began sobbing as she told her story. We tend to get uncomfortable when people lose control, don’t we? When we don’t have answers, we tend to distance ourselves.
Most of us prefer smiling happy faces at church. I suspect God prefers authenticity. Come just as you are. Mama said is was beautiful the way the class rallied around her. Men and women chimed in. They offered her support as they listened and offered prayer. This is Christian Community.
In my own church, our new associate pastor was listening as I was sharing my upcoming mission trip and all of God’s signs telling me to go. She placed her hand on my arm and asked me the dates, so that she could pray for me. It was totally unexpected, although I don’t know why. This is Christian Community.
A family in our community very recently lost a child in a tragic car accident. They are members of our last church. An e-mail went out yesterday requesting members of an adult Sunday School Class to help them move. They needed some assistance loading a truck. At least two members had already signed up to help. This is Christian Community.
Paul tells us in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.”
There are many ways to do good to others. We can physically assist. We can politely listen. We can give time and money. We can pray and intervene spiritually for those in distress. Every situation requires something a little different. There is always opportunity. But, either way, as Christians, we are called to be part of community.
We have so much to teach each other and so much to learn. Each one of us has something unique to share. We simply can’t do that at home watching a sermon on television or online.
Christian Community is special and powerful. It makes a difference. It changes lives. It can change the world. Don’t miss being a part of it.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂