From Luke Terracini

We Are Better Together

COMMUNITY AND FELLOWSHIP

I love playing trivia. Whenever I turn up to a trivia night, I’m full of confidence – convinced I’m going to carry the team, especially when the sports round comes up. I grab a few snacks from the canteen to support the fundraising efforts, check out the silent auction, take my seat, and get my game face on. Round 1 begins: Science. Not my strength. Any answer I know, everyone else knows too. Thankfully, a couple of my mates actually listened during Science class at school, so we scraped through. Next round: History. Also not great. Before long, we’re halfway through the night, and my biggest contribution so far is good vibes around the table.

Eventually, a few niche sports questions appear, and finally, I have a few answers. By the end of the night, we’re actually in with a chance at winning – not because any one of us knew everything, but because together we knew enough. Every person brought something different, and every contribution mattered. A trivia team is a great analogy of God’s plan for us living in community.

Hebrews 10:24-25a (NLT) says,

“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.”

We are reminded to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another” (NIV). The writer of Hebrews knew that our faith wasn’t something that’s meant to be lived in isolation. We need others around us, on the same journey, to encourage, challenge and lift each other up. A community of Jesus-followers isn’t just about being social; it’s about being intentional in helping each other grow in faith and love.

Community is one of the great gifts God has given us. It’s where our faith is strengthened, we can share our burdens and our joy is multiplied. Real fellowship with one another goes deeper than a surface-level connection. It’s not just about showing up to church every now and then; it’s about showing up for each other. It’s about noticing when someone is struggling, celebrating the wins together, and speaking encouragement and truth into each other’s lives.

We live in a world that tends to celebrate independence; however, God calls us to be interdependent – to be a body, not just a collection of parts. When we isolate ourselves, it is so easy to drift away from faith. On the flip side, when we stay connected, we are constantly reminded of who God is and who we are in him. Together, we can reflect the love of Jesus more clearly to the world around us.

So, let’s not just attend community – let’s live and build community. Let’s open space for laughter, honestly, prayer and growth. Because when we gather in Jesus’ name, He is right there with us (Matthew 18:20).

Reflection

• Is there someone in your community who could use encouragement this week?
• What’s one way you can be more intentional about ‘spurring others on’ in faith and love?
• What’s one step you can take to deepen your connection with your church family or community?

Prayer

Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of community and for the people you’ve placed around me to encourage, strengthen and grow my faith. Help me to be someone who shows up for others – offering support, love and intentional encouragement. Remind me that I was never meant to walk this journey alone, and that you are present whenever your people gather in your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.