No one can doubt that man was made a social creature and was meant to live inter-connected with others like himself.
Man was born with a longing for belonging. We have an innate need for meaningful interaction with others.
Every sane person wants to be wanted, accepted, enjoyed, and loved.
Only by living together in the community of faith can we experience a sense of wholeness, self-worth and a healthy self-concept.
Only in the context of connection with others is it possible for our deepest needs to be met.
God’s plan to redeem fallen humanity revolves around building a community of faith where genuine love, acceptance, forgiveness and affirmation are experienced.
In the last forty years, there has been a serious decline in community life in America.
- People who volunteer in a political campaign is half what it was in the 1960’s.
- Active membership in local clubs and organizations, like parent-teacher groups, has dropped by about half since the 1970’s.
- People visit less and have friends over less frequently.
Although the level of connectedness between people in our society has dropped severely, their need for connectedness has not.
I Peter 4:8 – Above all, love each other deeply…
We must love each other enough to tell the truth to each other.
Let me give you a big word with an even bigger meaning – magnanimous.
To be “magnanimous” means that you have a “great heart,” “a generous spirit,” forgiving, too big to hold a grudge.
That is what community looks like – real, genuine love, brotherly affection, great-hearted, generous acceptance and affirmation.
We need open doors, open walls. We need to be out there meeting and loving people (not necessarily their behavior) where they are. Don’t just do community, but do it with all your might.
