Hello Mornings: Start StrongExemplo

Start with Community

A young woman stood in the foyer looking lost and confused. The women's Bible study was just getting started and it would have been easy to look the other way in all the hustle. Instead we welcomed and prayed with her. By the time she left she was no longer an outsider. We had convinced her she had a place in our community. She’s been back every week since and has proven to be a valuable addition to our group.

The verses in our readings today provide clear guidelines for Christian living, and show us that community is expected to be a part of our Christian lifestyle.

Colossians 3:13 indicates the problems of the church are meant to be carried by the whole church body, not by individuals. Galatians 6:2 takes this instruction even further saying that we are meant to “bear one another’s burdens” too. Not only are we responsible for carrying the problems the church faces together, but we’re also meant to help carry one another’s personal problems. Our community is intended to help and support one another. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs us to “stir up one another to love and good works,” to meet together, and to encourage one another. We are responsible for helping each other go further and deeper in Christ. This is what healthy accountability looks like in a Godly community. 

These verses show us that community, the way God intends it, is like a family. We might not always agree, but we are always looking to one another’s best interest. We care about what happens. We help one another through the tough times. We encourage and motivate one another to keep pressing into God. We work together for the betterment of all. We need each other. Our community is a valuable addition to our lives.

How can your community help you with your morning routine?