
Walking with God.
Living in Community
āEveryone around was in awe ⦠the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They ⦠pooled their resources so that each person's need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship ⦠followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God ⦠every day their number grew as God added those who were savedā
Acts 2:43-47 (MSG)
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Living as community means becoming bound together in His family. We already are children of God. As the Spirit works change within us, loving relationships grow with our brothers and sisters locally, nationally and globally.
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The first followers of Jesus were āone anotherā people; in and out of each otherās homes, praying, worshipping and eating together, and supporting those in need. Close, loving community is the prime context in which learning and growth happens. They described themselves as the ābodyā of Jesus - and as His Body continued to demonstrate the Fatherās love to those around them. They āloved each other deeplyā.
For some of us, to live like this is welcome and comparatively easy; for others, our temperament means that we will have to work at relating to a new extended family. This can be challenging when we encounter people who are not ālike usā, or who have lives that are quite obviously damaged. However, our Fatherās love, together with the follower-of-Jesus characteristics that the Holy Spirit nurtures within us, helps this process. Expressions of ācommunityā will vary but it is vital for the health and growth of every believer, and the church family as a whole, to connect in regular fellowship (ātogethernessā) with others. āSolo Christianityā doesnāt exist!
First Steps
In the local church/Trinity context, join with others in a group where you can know others and become known by them. Alpha, Element & Life Groups all offer opportunity for relationships to form and flourish, for fun, mutual encouragement and growth in faith.
Take advantage of shared events and activities (e.g. serving on a team) to walk with others and serve together
We need to be aware of Godās love, and through receiving that, this will (over time) over-flow into compassion for those around us, helping us to love even those who may at first seem harder to love!
The disciplines of forgiveness and peace-making are essential in forging community.
Going Deeper
If you want to discover more about living in community, here are some of our recommendations of resources to get you started!