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Day 7 – Community
“I used to want to fix people, but now I just want to be with them.”
–Bob Goff, Love Does
College provides the unique opportunity to regularly meet new people and form genuine relationships with them. I can confidently say that sincere friendships and authentic fellowship abounds in the Belmont community if you pursue them.
In the midst of the hectic and overloaded schedules that keep us busy as college students, it is necessary to be intentional about developing and maintaining those close relationships with the people you are surrounded by. When stressful, difficult times come, and they will, we are called to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). We won’t be able to help another carry their burdens if we are not present in their life. Being present is more than just showing up; it is about being sacrificial of your time, energy and resources. When we allow ourselves to be fully present in the lives of those in the community around us, we become more aware of their needs and how we may be able to help meet those needs.
More importantly than trying to fix people or their problems, I think Bob Goff was right: we just need to be with people. Being present with someone speaks volumes sometimes more than our words could ever say. As it says in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” I think the key word in that verse is ‘do’. Making yourself available to someone is one way to do good to that person. God is working in us to compel us to action—to share His love and compassion and point others to Him through the ways we love and the way we live.
As you have probably already experienced, people in college constantly surround you. The potential for real community comes when we are deliberately present in one another’s lives and are quick to meet another’s needs and do good to those around us. Let’s be vessels of His love as we live in community with one another.
LIBBY LIGON | SLA, Junior | Chemistry major
“I used to want to fix people, but now I just want to be with them.”
–Bob Goff, Love Does
College provides the unique opportunity to regularly meet new people and form genuine relationships with them. I can confidently say that sincere friendships and authentic fellowship abounds in the Belmont community if you pursue them.
In the midst of the hectic and overloaded schedules that keep us busy as college students, it is necessary to be intentional about developing and maintaining those close relationships with the people you are surrounded by. When stressful, difficult times come, and they will, we are called to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). We won’t be able to help another carry their burdens if we are not present in their life. Being present is more than just showing up; it is about being sacrificial of your time, energy and resources. When we allow ourselves to be fully present in the lives of those in the community around us, we become more aware of their needs and how we may be able to help meet those needs.
More importantly than trying to fix people or their problems, I think Bob Goff was right: we just need to be with people. Being present with someone speaks volumes sometimes more than our words could ever say. As it says in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” I think the key word in that verse is ‘do’. Making yourself available to someone is one way to do good to that person. God is working in us to compel us to action—to share His love and compassion and point others to Him through the ways we love and the way we live.
As you have probably already experienced, people in college constantly surround you. The potential for real community comes when we are deliberately present in one another’s lives and are quick to meet another’s needs and do good to those around us. Let’s be vessels of His love as we live in community with one another.
LIBBY LIGON | SLA, Junior | Chemistry major
About this Plan
This 40 day prayer plan was written by students, faculty and staff at Belmont University as a daily devotional for incoming freshmen. Each day guides and encourages new college students in their faith in Jesus Christ through the word of God and the sincere thoughts, seasoned advice and honest prayers of the contributing authors. May these words help you grow in your love for God and your love for others!
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We would like to thank the students, faculty & staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
