Community.
I believe we’re designed for it. To commune with one another. To do life together. God didn’t design us to live this life alone. I’m thankful He didn’t.
We thrive in community.
I need community to help me live real. To spur me on and propel me to keep my focus on where it should be. To do good, especially on the days I don’t feel like it.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
My heart desires a life-impacting community.
I’m grateful God has placed others in my life whom I can trust and whom are willing to walk with me on this path of life… friends, co-workers, family. But, it wasn’t until recently I’ve found a community through church. It’s one I’ve longed for and desired for years. With women who encourage and who help keep me accountable in living real. It’s a breath of fresh air for me.
But, what if we don’t have a community around us? What if we are the quiet type and getting involved in a community isn’t so easy for us? What do we do?
My first suggestion is to pray. To ask God to bring people into our lives who would come alongside of us as we journey through this life. And, not ask once or twice, but keep asking. Find one person to befriend. Be willing to involve yourself where others are… in a group at church, sit down with others during fellowship time at church, at the coffee pot at work, at the bus stop. Say hi to another. Start one conversation. Sometimes the most difficult piece in the process is the first step. But, stepping out can make all the difference.
Community around you will begin to grow.
God knows your heart’s desire, and remember, He designed you to do life with others. He’ll bless you with a beautiful community.
And, if you already have one spurring you on and helping you live a real life, rejoice and thank God. May we continue to do our part in keeping the community healthy and vibrant.
Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. 1 Thessalonians 5:13-15
Friend, living in community is a beautiful gift of God’s love. May we spur one another on to live real and authentic lives through our communities as we journey together!
Blessings,
Julie
Today is Day 22 of 31 Days of Living a Real Life. It’s been a great three weeks journeying together! If you’re interested, you can catch up on previous posts in this series here.
I am so very blessed to have an exceptional group of Christian friends who do help me immensely to live a better life! It’s my prayer however, for my son and daughter-in-law to meet another young couple who will lead them to church and begin to create a community for them. I’m so thankful my daughter and her husband have found a great church family to be a part of. Now, waiting for God to provide that for my son too!
I know we’ve never met but I now count you as part of my community! I love getting to know you through your words and your insights are helping me to look for and create my authentic life! God bless you, Julie as you’ve blessed me!
Cindy, I count you as part of my community also. I’m hoping some day we’ll get to meet in person! What a gift that would be! I’m thrilled to read you have a great group of Christian friends you’re doing life with. May God continue to place others in our children’s lives as well! It’s so important. Hope you’re having a super week!
It truly is a gift. Romans 12:1-8
It’s one I cherish! Glad we can be community, even though we’ve never met in real life. Some day soon, hopefully!