Strong spirits: community

Have you ever been a part of a really wonderful community?  One that you love to be a part of, hate to be away from, love and cherish the members of?

I've been in several such communities.  I am in some now.  For me, then and now, the ones that are the best are the ones that have Jesus as our common ground.  He draws us together and makes us one.  In John 17, the prayer of Jesus for his followers is recorded. "May they be one, Father, as you and I are one, so the world will know that you sent me."  John 17:21) Jesus wants us to be a community.

The author of Hebrews has this to say: "Let us consider how to encourage one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our coming together, as some are in the habit of doing."  Hebrews 1o:24,25)

Some say, "I have Jesus.  I don't need community"  Not true.  The devil loves that thinking.  We were made for community: for encouragement, support, life, love, help.

Are you in a community like that?  Find one!  you won't regret it!

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Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.