Community in Christ

In a world where division and isolation dominate the pursuit of individual liberty, the Christian community shines as a beacon of hope, love, and unity. As believers, we are called to build a flourishing community that reflects the heart of God, embodying the transformative love of Christ.

A community is a group of individuals united by shared characteristics and experiences. This community aims to include people from diverse backgrounds, embracing and celebrating the diversity within its ranks. As defined by Martin and Mcheimech (2016), a community is "a collection of people who are connected by a common experience, and who engage with and support one another." 

The Scripture teaches us to establish connections through shared experience of relationship with Jesus Christ, and committed to supporting one another through this transformative bond - a community. The Christian community is composed of individuals with varying personalities, perspectives, and backgrounds who are united in a single, profound experience: a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, the source of their identity, purpose, and hope. [1]

Jesus gathered a diverse group of disciples from various backgrounds to form His first community. His disciples included fishermen like Andrew, Peter, James, and John, as well as a tax collector named Matthew who was despised by the people, and Simon the Zealot, a revolutionary against the Roman government. The group also consisted of Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Thaddaeus, and James the son of Alphaeus. Judas, the one Jesus knew would betray Him, was also among them. Though these individuals had different professions, social standing, and even rivalries, such as between Matthew and Simon, they were unified as disciples of Jesus Christ through their faith in Him. This diverse community of followers exemplified Jesus' model of Christian community, where people with diverse personalities and backgrounds come together. [2]

The Scriptures earnestly call upon believers to cultivate deep unity and boundless love amongst one another, reflecting the very heart of God and forming a community of profound oneness. As Paul reassured the Corinthians, every member of Christ's body holds equal significance, for just as the human body requires all its parts to function harmoniously, so too the community of faith has no room for distinctions or hierarchies. Each person is uniquely gifted and invaluably precious before Christ. This community should be so intricately knitted that when one member suffers, all others are moved to profound concern and care. Connected in love and mutual esteem, this community is sustained by affection underlying all interactions and spiritual gifts. [3]

The early church embodied this vision of community. The were deeply connected, with members sharing all they had in common. Some even sold their possessions to help those in need. This community was unified in their faith in Christ, their commitments, and sense of oneness. They were so closely knitted that the suffering of one member would concern the whole community. Love bridged all differences. This community exemplified how a community of believers should be  – 

They ate with one another - Eating together was a core practice of the early Christian community. Jesus set the example by sharing meals with sinners, disciples, and even large crowds. This communal dining fostered deepening relationships and unity among believers. It also demonstrated love and hospitality toward strangers and the needy.

They prayed with one another - Similarly, praying together gave the early Christians a profound sense of belonging and unity. It helped break down barriers, uniting them in their common faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Shared prayer also empowered them with boldness to share God's love, strengthening their minds and walk with God.
 
They shared with one another - The early Christian community shared with one another voluntarily. They generously gave away what they did not need and opened their homes, sharing their possessions both within and beyond their community. The community in Christ calls for unselfish acts of love toward those inside and outside our fellowship. For love to be genuine, it must be accompanied by sharing. Furthermore, faith should precede love, and love should then lead to sharing. [4]

Society has become divided along lines of social status, economic background, and ethnicity, leading to people being treated based on their social and economic standing, even within the community of believers. In his letters to various churches, Paul repeatedly emphasized that there are no distinctions in social standing or ethnicity, but that we are all one in Christ. This calls for ensuring that there is unconditional and impartial love, encouragement, honour, instruction, and support for one another. [5]

Moreover, Christians are called to forgive one another when one believer wrongs another. The Christian community cannot thrive if there is lack of forgiveness among believers. Too often, Christian communities fail to grow due to an unforgiving attitude among the members. The Scriptures urge us to forgive one another just as Christ forgave us, which requires believers to be humble and prioritize the well-being of others over their own.[6]

Brothers and sisters, as faithful followers of Christ, let us commit to build a vibrant, biblical community that offers enduring acceptance, unconditional love, and steadfast hope to one another. Each of us is uniquely gifted by God; let us joyfully serve one another in the boundless love of Christ, without seeking our own personal gain or fortunes.

 
As we commit to build a community that reflects the love and the heart of Christ,  remember that unity is rooted in our shared faith; diversity is a strength; love and forgiveness are essential. As a community in Christ, may we reflect the love of Christ within and beyond our community.

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References:
1. John 17:20-24
2. Matthew 10:1-4
3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
4. Acts 2:42-47
5. Gal. 3:28; 5:6; Col. 3:11; Rom 3:29-30; 14:19; 1 Thess. 5:11
6. Mat 6:14; Mk 11:25; Col 3:13