We are living in an unprecedented time in history. Because of technology, within seconds, we can be on a video call and see the face of a friend or loved one, even though they may be halfway around the world. We have the ability to know what is going on in the lives of friends and family we have not personally seen in years through social media, and there are countless other wonderful benefits of living in the technological revolution.

However, despite all of this technology, we are becoming more socially disconnected and dissatisfied than ever before. In a report published this year titled, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, the U.S. Surgeon General said, “Across many measures, Americans appear to be becoming less socially connected over time… A fraying of the social fabric can also be seen more broadly in society. Trust in each other and major institutions is at near historic lows.”

Our need for community is not something new. We were designed for relationships from the very beginning. The first thing in all of creation which God said was “not good” was that man was alone (Gen. 2:18). This is a foundational statement about the way we were created. God made us to be social beings in community with one another.

That is why the writer of Hebrews wrote, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

There is an inherent power in being a part of the church, and not just in attendance, but engaged in meaningful relationships with one another. It’s hard to “motivate one another to acts of love and good works” when you aren’t connected to a life-giving body of believers.

This is why being in a life group or small group and volunteering on serve teams at church are so critical for us not only individually but also for the Church corporately. The Church is strong, but it is always stronger when we are all involved!

God has established that there is spiritual blessing when we live in community. The Psalmist wrote, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony…And there the Lord has pronounced His blessing, even life everlasting” (Psalm 133:1,3).

We were made to be in relationship with one another, and there is blessing and power in the community of believers!

Scriptures

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
“And 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.”

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”