What does community mean to you? Is it important to God?
Community to me is fellowshipping with others sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. Yes, it’s important to God.
In fact, the word “fellowship” in the Bible refers to a deep spiritual connection and community among believers, bringing mutual support and encouragement in a shared faith.
Diving deeper, we find that the word “fellowship” is from a Greek word, koinonia, which signifies a shared life. It is much more than just social interaction; it reflects the unity and love within the body of Christ.
The Bible is very clear about the importance of fellowship for spiritual growth with encouragement while creating friendships with one another. Today, this can be acquired with small groups in our homes or at church.
Small groups grow together in God and share life with one another.
SO, WHERE AM I GOING WITH THIS?
The end of our key scripture, as we close our series, “You will be called…Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” Isaiah 58: is12b
This final portion of scripture is pointing us to rebuilding our communities.
The Israelites returned from Babylonian exile, with the mission of hope and renewal for the city of Jerusalem. They were called to restore their community, to bring hope to those who need hope.
Today, we know the God of all hope; His name is Jesus. That call of bringing hope hasn’t changed.
One commentary said it this way, “This verse, Isaiah 58:12, highlights the importance of not only fixing what is broken but also revitalizing and rebuilding to create a sense of community and belonging.”
Most folks have a deep sense of belonging. The opposite of that would be alienation.
May I encourage you by saying this:
DON’T ISOLATE YOURSELF. God created us for fellowship, to share life with one another in His love.
If you are in need of encouragement and need help to be rebuilt and renewed, and to fix what’s broken inside, find a trusted person who can hold your hand and help you work through those areas.
Join a small group at your church. I’m sure you’ll find others who are struggling or have struggled with the same thing.
Folks, we need one another in this journey we call life.
We were not created to stay broken and unfulfilled. We have purpose. The very life of the eternal God lives within us.
Below are some tips that support community and fellowship with one another. May we learn from them! Here they are:
TIPS THAT SUPPORT COMMUNITY:
1. Recognize the beauty and strength that come from sharing our lives, supporting one another, and growing together in our faith.
Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
2. Fellowship with other believers. It provides us with a support system where we can share our burdens, celebrate joys, and offer encouragement. It is an opportunity to learn from one another, hold each other accountable, and collectively pursue a deeper relationship with God.
Hebrews 10:24-25 “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 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.”
3. Fellowship in the Bible is not limited to gathering together for worship or prayer. It extends to serving one another and the community.
Galatians 5:13 “Serve one another humbly in love.”
1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
These are just a few pointers which we can take a look at.
Ultimately, we are called not only to the house of God but to each other, as a community, one in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are bonded, we are kindred, as one, in the Lord.
In the context of Isaiah 58: 12 God was calling back His people from being exiled, displaced, into a new place, a new beginning of remaining and abiding in Him.
As New Testament believers, the fullness of the Godhead lives inside of us. We, too, are called to abide with Him.
He has made His dwelling not only among us but within us!
He came to restore, renew, and refresh, so we can now do the same for others.
Personally, years ago, I reached out in a time when I was still hurting. My stepping out brought a deeper level of healing within as I focused not on what I was going through but chose to focus on the needs of others. I obeyed the voice of God to use my gifts and remember where I was and how He used me, in spite of my still needing inner healing.
Choose to look through a different lens.
We can’t look through the lens of hurt and pain and see clearly. Our vision will be cloudy.
Choose to look through the lens of the Lord, as He positions you; then, watch Him enable you to see people and situations as He sees them.
In doing that, our focus changes as we look ahead and not look back.
You have the Restorer, the Repairer, and the Rebuilder within you. Don’t waste your purpose, your call, or your zeal.
Obedience in our life produces a lot more than just fulfillment; it will generate:
“…Then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 58: 14
Never Forget The Repairer, The Restorer, And The Rebuilder Lives Through You.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on My Beloved’s Voice
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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