We live in the technology age. We have access to information at the touch of a finger. Our culture says, “I know.” Yet, despite all our knowledge, we struggle to find and experience real, lasting community.
A Glimpse of Early Church Community
The early church was a caring place. People met each other’s needs. They prayed for each other and encouraged each other as they faced life’s struggles. They were bonded together with a mutual love for Jesus and love for each other. They were a people on a mission, committed to sharing the gospel in their time. This love they expressed was something completely unlike the culture in which they lived.
Our culture says, “I know,” but biblical community says, “I care.” The Apostle Paul spoke about this to the church at Rome:
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another,” (Romans 12.9-16 ESV).
What Does A Caring Church Look Like?
This is such a beautiful picture of what the church is called to be — a caring community. Paul said a caring church is a place that says:
1. I care about you.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor,” (Romans 12.9-10 ESV).
Our love shouldn’t be surface or fake, but real and genuine. It’s a love that hates it when evil comes into someone’s life, but celebrates and cheers when good is on display. It’s a place where honor and brotherly affection are clear and compelling. In a world that is constantly pulling you down, God’s community is committed to building you up, encouraging you, and bringing out the best in you.
2. I care about your needs.
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality,” (Romans 12.13 ESV).
Members of the early church weren’t only concerned with a person’s spiritual life; they were concerned with the everyday practical life as well. If you had financial needs, they would help. If you were sick, they would care for you. If you needed a place to stay, their doors were open. Today should be no different. Real community cares for practical needs.
3. I care about your highs and your lows.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep,” (Romans 12.15 ESV).
This moves us to an even deeper level of community. It’s one thing to care about a person and even to care about their needs, but it’s another thing to say, “What makes you joyful makes me joyful; what makes you grieve makes me grieve!”
When you get a new job, have a new baby, mark that anniversary, I’m going to celebrate with you. When you are hurting, grieving, crying or doubting, I’ll be there too. (1 Corinthians 12.26 NASB) says, “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
This blog features an excerpt from one of our books, Walk With God.
