Have you ever noticed how loving you are, as long as you’re surrounded by people who are easy to love? Or how patient you are, as long as your patience isn’t being tested? All of us are saints in isolation. It’s when we get around other people that our flaws and weaknesses begin to show. That’s why community is vital for our growth and transformation. We can’t become who God wants us to become if we isolate ourselves from others.
Being a part of the church means we’re joined to a people and these people become a source of accountability and guidance. As believers, we are to spur one another on in the faith and correct each other when we begin to veer off course. There is power in unity and that’s how real growth happens.
“Let us consider how we can stir up one another to love. Let us help one another to do good works.” -Hebrews 10:24
Church is a place where we build lifelong friendships. The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. When we give our lives to Christ, we’re baptized into one body. As such, if someone is rejoicing or suffering then we’re all rejoicing or suffering. We’re together in the mountaintops and we’re together in the valleys.
Church shouldn’t be an in and out thing. When people come into church, they should feel comfortable and safe and be ready to share life with others. It’s the one place where people should feel accepted and loved. The way we love others is a picture to the world of God’s love for us. The relationships, friendships and community we cultivate is what makes the church. It’s the gathering of people from all different backgrounds coming together under the name of Jesus Christ to work towards one common goal: to love God and love each other.