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This past week on the podcast we talked about community. “Wow super exciting guys.” (What you might be thinking)

Now its no secret that Christians are called to surround themselves in a Christ centered community. Yes that means even you introverts out there. But do not be discouraged. I would consider myself an introvert most of the time, but a good community challenges us to be authentic and real around each other. That does not mean you change into an extrovert or become somebody different because of the community, it just means a Christ centered community should stir up authenticity and genuineness. 

There is an unfortunate reality to why many Christians choose to stay out of a close community of believers, and it should convict us to do better. Many Christians exclude themselves from a community because of past hurt. While those hurts can be very real, no Christian is called to do life alone. 

So, how do we help create and foster communities where our fellow believers are encouraged instead of torn down?

Maybe the most overlooked solution is also the simplest. We go to scripture! Crazy I know. We can gain so much from looking at how the first Christian communities were created and maintained. Peter helps shine a light on how the early churches (which looked more like living room Bible studies ), were able to not merely tolerate one another, but serve the Kingdom together in one mind. 

5 callings to every member of community

“All of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (1 Peter 3:8).

1. Unity of mind (lay aside your personal preferences)
2. Sympathy (enter the emotions of others)
3. Brotherly love (Treat the community like your family)
4. Tenderheartedness (move towards the hurt)
5. Humility (Go low to life others up)

UNITY OF MIND

Often, disappointment settles over us because we have lost sight of this controlling vision and have smuggled in our own. So, we begin to evaluate our small group based on how well it meets our perceived needs rather than how well it glorifies Christ, and we inevitably walk away feeling neglected.

• “Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11

SYMPATHY

Sympathy moves us to weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice, and then do what we can to soothe the sorrow or swell the joy.

• “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

BROTHERLY LOVE

Apart from the blood of Jesus that binds us together, many of us have little in common. But these are our family members, and like Jesus, we should not be ashamed to call any one of them brother or sister. 

• “For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,” Hebrews 2:11

TENDERHEARTEDNESS

Many of our small groups include people who carry two tons of sorrow on their shoulders. Bent down beneath their own pain, they can appear cold, aloof, and anti-social. As our hearts grow more tender, we will feel less disappointed with these bruised reeds, and more prone to move toward them, praying that God would use us to bind them up. 

• “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

HUMILITY

The people we go low for may be no one special in the world’s eyes; they may be weak, awkward, and poor — perhaps just like us. But if we will go low for them, God can give us glimpses of who they really are, Jesus’s beloved sheep, God’s own possession, heirs of the grace of life.

• “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

REMEMBER: This community is not about your selfish desires! It is about growing closer to Christ and each other. 

The easiest way to ruin a healthy community is to walk into it with a selfish attitude. The easiest way to heal a broken community is to walk into it with an attitude of service. 

As always, from all of us at AskUsWhy we pray you continue to learn and grow in the faith. We want to be a resource for all believers to be equipped in any stage of life, and to be able to bring the kingdom of God wherever they go. 

Peace and blessings!

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