Experiencing Christian Community as a Couple

By Shona Baselice

“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”—Romans 1:11–12

Every other Thursday night, my husband and I host a small group in our home. At around 7:30 p.m., people begin to stroll in, passing out hugs and hellos as they do. Once the coffee has been poured, and all the snacks gobbled up, we make our way to the oversized sectional in the center of the room and crack open our Bibles. We learn and laugh and grow together as we invest in the building of community.

Being in community together as a couple has been one of this season’s greatest joys. With full schedules and a mountain of responsibilities, it can be easy to put “spending time with others” on the bottom of our to-do lists. Still, as a couple, we see the significance of living life in relationship with others, and we purposely do so. It takes effort and intentionality, but we have found time and time again that the reward of relationship is worth it. Walking through a year like 2020 only solidified this truth for us.

Life was hard, not just for us, but for the world—and having a community to pray and process with was invaluable. We shared our fears and frustrations. We listened to, comforted, and challenged one another. We showed up when someone had a need and were provided for when that someone was us. We truly were, as today’s verse says, “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Our community helped make a hard year not only bearable but fruitful and rich.  

I’m thankful for the body of believers Jesus has surrounded us with. They are a cherished gift to us, a treasure this side of heaven that brings great fulfillment to our lives. Our desire as a couple is to love God wholly and to spend the rest of our days being transformed into His image. The fact that we get to mature and grow alongside individuals that we adore is icing on the cake. 

If a busy schedule has forced you to move “spending time with others” to the bottom of your to-do list, I encourage you to do some rearranging to your list. Make time to spend together with others. You will be blessed and strengthened as you are “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” We are the body of Christ, and as we live in intimacy and unity with one another, it pleases the Father and brings glory to His name.

Pause: How have you seen the fruit of living in community together displayed in your lives?

Practice: Get a dinner date on the calendar with you and another couple. 

Pray: Jesus, You are a good Father. Your love and care for us are unmatched and overwhelming. We see Your loving hand in the sweet gift of fellowship with You and with others. May we create and cultivate healthy communities that enrich our lives and bring you glory. Amen.