Written by Terrie Cash
I don’t know about the rest of the world, but 2020 and a good portion of 2021 have lingered around for way too long. Many of us still struggle to find our community after being isolated for 18 months or more depending on our location. In a single moment, we went from enjoying everyday life with people, in different capacities, to questioning if we can trust being around them in fear of contracting the deadly virus, COVID.
I remember so well the frustration I had with the lack of not being able to live life as I once knew it. The hardest part for me during the beginning of the COVID epidemic was not fellowshipping with my church family. My husband and I had just joined a new growing and thriving church that I had longed to be a part of for several months. I could not wait to make friends with others and begin serving in areas God would use me. The Sunday we joined was the same week the CDC announced that all venues would have to shut down until further notice.
I was heartbroken!
This separation can easily become a habit when anyone spends a long time separated from society. A habit that isn’t healthy for anyone.
For those who identify with Jesus, we have an enemy out there that wants nothing more than to keep us isolated from our brothers and sisters who are there to help us in our time of need. We need each other and this is called community.
What does community look like and what is my role?
Did you know there are 59 references related to “one another” in the Bible? No one can be “one another” without someone to one another with. That means there must be community between at least two people. Consider one of Jesus’ many instructions, to Christ-followers, on how to better “one another.”
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10
Jesus is asking us to devote ourselves to one another; in doing so, we are to outdo each other in showing honor.
I am very competitive so when I see the words, outdo one another, my pulse increases, and my mind begins to race to see how I can outdo the other person. My nature is to respond opposite of what the Lord instructs me to do. It challenges me and I wonder if it challenges you as well.
The good news is that we can adjust our perspectives as we adjust our hearts to become more like Christ to others. Simply put, think of others first. Work hard at putting yourself second and place others before yourself. We are then experiencing community as God intended.
What are some practical ways you can honor others before yourself?
- Send a handwritten card letting someone know you are thinking of them.
- Take someone out for coffee or a meal just to get to know the person.
- Open your home for a meal or a game night. If you are blessed with a fire pit, have people over for a fire and conversation.
- Be transparent. We live in an Instagram reel world that is not authentic causing people to think they need to be perfect. Let others know you are not.
My heart bleeds for so many ladies who are stuck in isolation. Look for those ladies; they NEED you.
Be Jesus to them.
*Sometimes “pennies in your path” show up in community.
P.S.
Question: What is one step you can take this week to cultivate community?
Growing Deeper-
One Simple Action Step: Invite someone to join you for coffee or tea with the intention of just getting to know one another better.
Scripture Plunge: Romans 12:10, Genesis 1:26-27, 2:18, Acts 17:28, John 1:1-4, Hebrews 10:24-25
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