LIVE THE LOVE: The Basics of Belonging and Community
Written by Brenda Franklin-Strout
John 13:34 and 35 (ESV) says: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
I read this verse and I think to myself, “How can anyone think that anything beyond love and the action of love will confirm to the world that we belong to one another and Jesus?” TRULY. As you love one another as Christ has loved us. His fully encompassing, never failing, always present and enveloping love…. It’s our model for belonging and community. It is a love without exception and exemption. It’s a belonging that was modeled for us in the days that Jesus walked with his disciples and for those that followed Him and very quickly, community was created.
In the book of John, I love the pictures it creates in my mind when I read of the wedding celebration where Jesus performed his first public miracle. Or the quiet and gentle conversations with Nicodemus, feeding the five thousand…the Last Supper and Judas betrayal. Yes, Friends…Belonging and Community. If you note my short listing of moments in the book of John, it brings with it the adventures that every community has. Belief, Gathering, Grace, Differing Viewpoints, Hurt, Nourishment…Love. I challenge you to think about your community, where you feel belonging, and see that each of those important components exist. It’s how God intended us to walk this life…never alone, always belonging. They are essential to us living fully and loving completely. We are created for community with God and intended for community with others.
As Pastor Mark said in Sunday’s message, ”WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!!” Amen, Church!!
In the second chapter of Acts, verses 42 through 47, it says…”And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
I read this and see such a tremendous support system and community of intentional living. They feasted on both the Word and actual nourishment together. They chose a mindset of community and held value in each other and not their possessions. Gladness, generosity and favor with all the people. Doesn’t that sound amazing?! If this is a similar model of your community, sit in a posture of thanksgiving and gratitude today. What a gift, my friend! If this isn’t your community, let me encourage you to draw closer, even in the midst of a pandemic, to those you hold dear to you. Share your heart for belonging and your need for community, I promise you that it is worth it to be vulnerable. I believe as you seek out community, you will not only find it, you will thrive within it. This picture of community and belonging is just what Jesus had in mind when He walked with the disciples and it’s still the model He has in mind as He walks with you. I'm praying for you today!
Call to Action:
Read and reflect on the following scriptures this week:
John 13: 34, 35
Ecclesiastics 4: 9-12
Acts 2: 42-47
Reflection Questions:
Who are my people? Who are the people I feel community and belonging with? Take a moment and thank them today for their presence in your life.
What steps can I take to build stronger community and belonging in my life?
If I’m struggling with belonging, what truth in God’s word will tear down the narrative of the enemy? Pray that scripture(s)
