You may wake up to a house full of children, wave at your neighbor on your way to the mailbox, or engage in casual conversation with the cashier at the store. With people all around, it is easy to understand how life is a social activity.
The need for companionship and communion is deep and age-old. God made human beings to be relational from the beginning. “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him’ … So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man He made into a woman and brought her to the man” (Genesis 2:18, 21-22).
Psalm 133 expresses the beauty of community: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.”
The fellowship of brothers and sisters adopted into the family of God is far more than good company or mutual benefit. It is oneness in Christ.
“ … maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” – Ephesians 4:3-6
The saints are called to love, forgive, and serve one another, all while edifying, exhorting, and encouraging one another in Christ.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16
This beautiful privilege and process requires the gathering of believers, both in large congregations and small groups, as well as one-on-one relationships.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:23-25
In my own life, I am abundantly blessed when I sense God’s presence among His people, receive wisdom from their lips, and take comfort in their faith in the Almighty.
I could never do life on my own, and praise God, I wasn’t made to.
Abby
