The Gift of Community

Bottomline: God created us to be in community because He knows we need it.

Intro- Last week I end the message reading from Romans about not conforming to the patterns of this world…one of those patterns is one of isolation, ghosting, and

Social psychologists define loneliness as the gap between the social connections you would like to have and those you feel you experience. According to a 2018 report by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 22 percent of adults in the United States say they often or always feel lonely or socially isolated. A national 2019 survey led by health insurer Cigna found that 61 percent of Americans report feeling lonely.

Tell the story of God creating Adam and Eve

Authentic community is only possible because of Christ.

Hebrews

The New International Version (Chapter 10)

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

proverbs

The New International Version Chapter 27

17 As iron sharpens iron,

so one person sharpens another.

Philippians

The New International Version Chapter 2

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Community helps you kill your natural selfishness because it requires you to think about others more than yourself.

Community teaches us to share struggles and successes.

1 corinthians

The New International Version (Chapter 12)

26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Community helps you understand and practice both giving and receiving forgiveness.

Colossians

The New International Version (Chapter 3)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him

‘Anytime we come together sharing our strengths it breeds competition. Any time we come together sharing our weaknesses, it breeds community.’