The call to community remains an important aspect of the Christian faith, despite the emphasis on individualism and self-sufficiency in today’s world. Christian believers are urged to embody virtues such as compassion and patience, as outlined in passages like Colossians 3:12-17. Therefore, relationships within the body of Christ play a crucial role in the Christian journey.
Understanding Our Purpose:
From the very beginning, humanity was designed for community. As Genesis tells us, we are created in the image of a God who exists in perfect relationship—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As such, we are adopted into God’s family, called His children, and chosen to declare His praises (Romans 8:15-16; 1 John 3:1; 1 Peter 2:9). Central to this identity is the command to love one another as Christ loves us.
The Unity of the Body:
Paul’s analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 beautifully illustrates our interconnectedness as believers. Just as a body is made up of many parts, each with its own function, so too are we diverse members of one body in Christ. This unity transcends social distinctions, reflecting God’s inclusive love for all.
The Counter-Cultural Call:
In a culture that often prioritizes self-interest and independence, the Christian call to prioritize God and others can seem countercultural. However, when we seek to control our own destinies or find value outside of our God-given identity, we risk isolating ourselves from the very community we were meant to embrace.
Benefits of Community:
Embracing community offers numerous benefits, including emotional and mental support, improved health outcomes, stress reduction, and a sense of belonging. Moreover, it provides a structure for spiritual growth and accountability, fostering the development of spiritual disciplines and nurturing us through life’s challenges.
Overcoming Barriers:
Yet, embracing community requires vulnerability and humility. It means confessing our sins, bearing one another’s burdens, and recognizing our dependence on God and each other. This can be challenging in a society that prizes individualism, but it is essential for our spiritual formation and growth.
Embracing Connection:
Ultimately, embracing community means embracing our true identity as beloved children of God and members of the body of Christ. It means recognizing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made for connection, not isolation. Whether through regular worship, participation in small groups, or serving in ministries, there are countless ways to cultivate meaningful connections within the body of Christ.
Conclusion:
In a world that often values autonomy and self-sufficiency, the call to community remains a foundational aspect of Christian faith. Grounded in the teachings of Scripture, we are reminded of our identity as beloved children of God and members of one body in Christ. Embracing community offers not only spiritual growth and support but also a tangible expression of God’s love in our lives. As we strive to live out the principles of compassion, kindness, and love, may we continually seek to deepen our connections within the body of Christ, enriching our faith and glorifying God in the process.
Have you thought about becoming a qualified counsellor? It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God's love and grace to the hurting out in the community.
For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:
Enrolment Season - opens approximately 2 months prior to our courses commencing. Enrol online here during our enrolment season.
We also offer two modes of study:
A Master of Counselling course was introduced in 2018.