“Where is Abel, thy brother?”
Cain: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
(Moses 5:34)
Human beings aren’t meant to be alone; we are God’s creatures who crave connection, empathy, and belonging with our fellowmen. God has clearly indicated in the Bible that believers are meant to be each other’s keepers. The heart of the Christian faith beats with a rhythm of community, where the believers are called to love and support one another.
One faces many challenges and adversities in one’s life. Betty Jean, from TL Savage’s novel “The Other Betty Jean” inspired by true events, led not an easy life; dealing with grief, loss of a daughter, trouble with relationships and finance, embracing the burdens of motherhood at a very young age, giving in to addiction and finally coming out clean, a survivor, her life has tested her faith and patience time and time again. But raised to be a staunch believer of Christ, she has never left the path of God throughout her life.
Dark times challenge our faith, but it can also be a way to further strengthen and reinforce our beliefs – in such times, patience is key. It is the faith in Christ and the righteous support of the community that really helps one come through.
Accountability
Within a strong Christian community, accountability goes hand-in-hand with honesty and grace. This honest reflection fosters growth and allows us to see each other through the eyes of Christ.
Instead of focusing solely on flaws, a supportive community celebrates the good within each person. They see the possibilities God has placed in their lives and encourage each other to reach their full potential as believers. This encouragement builds each other up and helps us all become the people God designed us to be, all the while keeping each other in check. Indulgence is alluring, and isolation doesn’t help the cause. Strong and healthy communities are a way to keep a check on each other as we fulfill our duties as Christians and become each other’s keepers.
Support
A healthy community offers a powerful safety net. During tough times, it provides a network of support. Fellow members can offer a listening ear, practical assistance, and valuable advice. Knowing you’re not alone in your struggles is a powerful comfort.
This isn’t just theory. Communities put it into action. For example, they help ailing people in need, fund a retreat for overwhelmed elderlies, and even swap resources like lawnmowers and childcare paraphernalia, among other things, to those who might need them. These acts, big or small, demonstrate watching over one another for good. As a result, those with a shaky belief in Christ grow into stronger Christians.
Service
The Christian community isn’t just about receiving support; it’s about learning to give as well. Here, we shed our self-interest and embrace the act of serving others. We share what God has blessed us with, be it material goods or spiritual gifts. This is an excellent way of nurturing selflessness, where oftentimes, we put the needs of others and see the collective good before our personal needs and gains.
Belonging
A community goes beyond just support. It fosters a sense of belonging. Shared values and beliefs create a foundation for connection. Learning about the community’s history and culture strengthens your roots and gives you a sense of place. You feel you’re part of something bigger than yourself, something important and meaningful. For people seeking spiritual connection, churches and religious communities offer shared values, creating a strong system of peace, support and belonging. Volunteering in Church services is another great way of strengthening your sense of belonging.
Seeing Christ in Others
There is more to religion than a solitary moment of prayer. God designed us for community, a place where we can truly understand His love and who He is. Within a supportive community, we encounter God’s love reflected in the love, encouragement and support of others. Through honest conversations, we receive gentle “words of correction,” helping us move closer to God’s path. The prayers and unwavering support of our brothers and sisters in faith empower us to break free from limitations. Their acts of kindness and love become tangible expressions of God’s grace and a reminder of His mercy and blessings upon us.
So, let’s open our hearts and minds to the power of community. It’s in these connections that we discover the richness of faith and experience God in a profound new way. Don’t walk this path alone. Join countless others who have found strength in faith through The Other Betty Jean: A Journey of Faith Resilience and Second Chances by TL Savage and BJ Walker. Order your copy from Amazon, also available at Barnes & Noble, and discover a tale of unwavering strength in testing times.