Cultivate Sacred SoilSample

Day 6: Cultivate Community

Community is one of the most beautiful and challenging aspects of faith. In Genesis 2:18, God declares that it is not good for man to be alone, showing us that we were created for relationships. Much like a garden thrives when different plants grow together, sharing nutrients and supporting one another, our spiritual lives flourish in the context of community.

Romans 15:5-6 reminds us that unity glorifies God. Community isn’t just about gathering people—it’s about cultivating harmony and shared purpose. This takes intentional effort, much like tending a garden. The analogy of companion planting—a gardening practice where certain plants grow better together—illustrates how our lives are enriched when we support and encourage one another in faith. No one grows well in isolation; we need others to nourish, challenge, and strengthen us.

However, cultivating community requires getting your hands dirty. In John 15:15-16, Jesus calls us His friends and appoints us to bear lasting fruit. This fruit often grows through the wonderful, messy work of building relationships. Real community involves stepping into the soil of life with others—walking alongside them in their joys and struggles, forgiving their shortcomings, and allowing them to do the same for us. Just as a gardener isn’t afraid to dig into the dirt, we must be willing to engage in the imperfections of others, knowing that love and grace make growth possible.

Forgiveness and love are at the heart of cultivating community. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. This kind of love is sacrificial, patient, and forgiving. Community is messy because people are imperfect, but it’s in this messiness that God does His greatest work. Forgiving and loving one another is like pulling weeds from a garden—it’s necessary to create space for healthy growth. When we forgive, we uproot bitterness and resentment, allowing the beauty of reconciliation to flourish.

True community also involves vulnerability. Sharing your heart, your struggles, and your hopes with others is like planting seeds in open soil—it feels risky, but it’s the only way to experience the fruit of deep connection. When we allow ourselves to be known and loved, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who invites us into friendship with Him and with one another.

Today, reflect on the relationships in your life. Are there people you need to forgive or love more intentionally? Are there areas where you can step out of your comfort zone to connect with others? Like a garden that requires consistent care, community takes effort, but the rewards are worth it.

Community is God’s design for growth. As you cultivate this field, embrace the messiness, extend grace, and nurture the connections that draw you closer to Him and to others. Let love and forgiveness be the tools you use to cultivate relationships that glorify God and bear lasting fruit.