Better Together in Community

We are not meant to do life alone. A 2024 report by the Harvard Graduate School of Education found that 81% of lonely adults reported anxiety or depression, and about 75% reported having little or no meaning or purpose in life. The U.S. Surgeon General's advisory highlights that loneliness increases the risk of serious health problems, and can even lower the average lifespan.

Here's the truth: We are better with each other. That’s the heart of what it means to be part of the body of Christ. We were created to sharpen one another, encourage one another, and walk together in love.

Take a moment to reflect on Philippians 2. Paul urges us to adopt the mindset of Jesus, living lives of humility and service. This isn’t a call to lose yourself, but to live fully in the freedom of loving others well. When we serve, encourage, and value those around us, we’re not only honoring God, but becoming the best version of ourselves.

Let’s consider Hebrews 10:24-25. This is an invitation to engage fully in deep community. To spur one another on means to actively inspire, motivate, and cheer others toward their God-given potential. When we live this way, we don’t just help others flourish — we grow as well.

Encouragement isn’t just nice words; it’s powerful fuel for our faith and purpose. When you choose to notice someone’s potential, their efforts, or their struggles and speak life into them, you are helping them move closer to the person God created them to be. And as they grow, so do you!

Maybe you feel lonely in the church community. This feeling can hurt, but often the best way to overcome this is to be intentional in connecting with and encouraging someone else. As you reach out to others, you will find people reaching out to you.

Why not seek out those you wouldn’t normally connect with? Deep community begins when we step out of our comfort zones to love and encourage others in unexpected ways.

Reflect:

• Who is God highlighting to you today that you can encourage? Who is sitting by themselves on a Sunday or seems to need encouragement?
• How can you be more intentional with serving or encouraging others in the church community?