So, I recently pulled up a list of spiritual disciplines. What came up? Fellowship, as a corporate discipline. As our trusty Chat GPT puts it, “Fellowship involves building relationships with believers for mutual encouragement and growth.” But here’s the thing: culture and society, with all their rules, have made it so hard to admit that we need Community. That admitting we need help is somehow a weakness.
A few Bible study sessions ago, we went around sharing, “What’s your biggest fear?” I remember, with a lump in my throat, finally confessing my greatest fear: “Fear of not belonging.” That pretty much sums up who I am. It’s crazy how something so heavy can be both a deep-rooted insecurity and a lifelong desire—something you chase but can never quite grasp.
But, in all the glory of God’s grace, He fished me out of that drowning pool of embarrassment. It’s how I found the courage to step out in vulnerability and admit that I need Community—and even more, to put myself out there. In a worldly sense, “putting myself out there” might mean “using my own devices” to turn into a magnet and attract people. But as Christians, God promises to give us the desires of our hearts [Psalm 37:4]. And He’s so faithful—He provides Community, often in the most unexpected ways, asking us to trust and have faith.
But let’s be honest: getting there isn’t easy. It’s hard to break out of the isolation that’s become so comfortable. It’s challenging to step outside your comfort zone and risk vulnerability, especially when you fear rejection or not finding your place. The idea of Community sounds excellent in theory, but the reality of it can be intimidating and awkward. We all carry baggage, fears, and walls; sometimes, it feels like you’re just one more person in a crowded room, hoping to be seen. It takes time, effort, and sometimes more courage than we can muster. But in those messy, complex steps toward Community, we start seeing how much God works through the people He’s placed around us.
I also understood that fellowship isn’t optional—it’s an instruction. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Community is crucial for growth, for sanctification at all levels. With friendships and relationships, we’re called to keep each other accountable and build each other up in countless ways. When you feel your Christian Walk plateauing, it can often be traced back to a lack of Community.
So, count yourself lucky if you have a community. Don’t take it for granted. Don’t tire of pursuing friendships. And invite God into it. Ask Him to guide you as you strive to be an imitator of Christ in all your relationships.
Sandrah♡