For many of us when we were young, church was a fertile place to grow — not only in our faith but overall in life. Our church family pointed us to Jesus. We were loved, nurtured, and cared for in deed as much as word. For me, perhaps my deep affection for church is seeded in my first memory in life (in a church Christmas play) or how my church family responded following my mother’s death when I was just nine or my Sunday school teachers’ consistency until I went away to college.
Writing For All Who Wander gave me the unexpected gift of lingering in those memories, and I realized how important, even special, it is to think about the pastors, leaders, teachers, family, and friends who have poured into us spiritually. These are the people who’ve shared and lived the gospel and helped us understand the good news found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. They’ve been a partner to God’s transforming work in our lives.
Aren’t you grateful for those who’ve strengthened or challenged your faith, who’ve spoken truth to you, who’ve prayed for and taught you or maybe even learned alongside you? When I consider all the people who’ve invested in me, a parade of beautiful faces come to mind, and I send a little prayer of thanks to God for them.
Having a community of faith at every stage in life makes the kind of difference that matters. These are the people we need around us when we have questions, face uncertainty, or when life’s curveballs come hurtling toward us. When we’re wrestling and wandering in our faith, we need those who’ll point us to Jesus.
We need folks like this even more in the day-to-day. When wise and trusted mentors and friends point us to Jesus in everyday conversations, it helps prepare us in advance for inevitable battles. A strong faith community naturally strengthens our faith.
Also, having mature believers speaking truth to us on a regular basis can bring clarity to confusion. And if you’re the one with some age, spiritual maturity, or experience, it’s a treasure to give away. Investing in others is kingdom work, a blessing that returns in greater measure.
It’s hard for me to admit (because it’s painful), but years ago I actually lamented having too many friends. It was a season characterized by busyness more than fullness, and I took my friendships and community for granted. God would eventually deal with me about that — hard lessons I penned that point to God’s faithfulness when I was an absolute brat. The short version is my once rich, vibrant faith community withered away to a shadow of what it once was, and I was lonely and reckless, relying on my own strength and resources rather than turning to God. Thankfully, God was working all things together for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28), and friendships were restored in the most unexpected of ways.
It may sound cliché, but people really do need people. It took a season of void for me to finally understand that.
Fast forward to now, and I think we’d agree that COVID has robbed us of so much. Not being able to gather in person has taken a toll, I believe, in incalculable ways. It’s crazy to feel like hugging someone you care about is a crime. Thankfully, in many places, we’re returning to a new normal that includes meeting in person, and — gasp! — wrapping your arms around the people you’ve sorely missed.
Still, many of us are disconnected from any sort of community — from church community, friends, work colleagues, even from God. The rhythms of attending church or going to work or class in person have been disrupted. This long season of separation from our communities over the past year reminded me of that dark season when I felt all alone in the world, where it seemed as if community was non-existent (a lie, by the way). There were days I was inexplicably sad, shrouded by a sense of desperation. But the difference between then and now is that I know the valuable lesson of sharing what I’m experiencing with the people who love me, and in return, they allow me the space to be honest, pray for me, and speak truth to me from God’s word.
Friends, we need to reconnect back to our people, especially our faith communities. We need to remind each other of what we already know — the truths that ground us and give us hope. As much as we do know, there’s so much more to know, and we need each other to keep learning. The writer of Hebrews speaks to a ministry of mutuality, where we all give and receive:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25a (ESV)
Is there anything more lovely than friendships founded on Christ? There’s a forever quality about them that I cherish. As things continue to open up, let’s love, serve, meet, and encourage one another — a near-perfect definition of community.
Leave a Comment
Rita says
Robin,
Thanks for making me realize I’ve been neglecting friendships for years. I have huge abandonment issues. Abandoned at three. I love deeply but, from a distance. I’m always on guard. You’re post made me realize what I’ve been doing and, I can change with my new awareness. Blessings!
Robin Dance says
((hugs))
Rita, I’m praying for you as I write, that your heart will sense the great love God has for you; and from there, you know you’re chosen and never abandoned (which will free you up to love others close up 🙂 . I put up shields for so many reasons. I’ve also been arrogant and neglectful. I hope I’ve learned how to seek the Lord in all these things by now, because there’s so much waiting for us, isn’t there?
Kemi George says
Thank you so much for being truthful. Church is a place of learning, grooming, loving and acceptance.
I was trained, nortured and loved by my Sunday school teachers, pastors and even other members. They gathered to celebrate with me, prayed with my family in our tough times. There’s no place like the Christ family.
Whenever anyone is feeling low, please talk to your pastor or someone that can advise and pray with you. A tree can not make a forest. At a time of challenges, ask for help. Don’t keep to yourself. Even Jesus discussed with His disciples.
One good turn deserves another. Look out for what to give in return to the fold of Christ. Help someone today! It does not mean financial help alone. In any way you can, go ahead. Give and it shall be given to you ……
Thank you.
Kemi George
Robin Dance says
Isn’t this funny, Kemi: I never thought of Jesus “discussing” anything with His people. But it’s got to be true–His conversations weren’t all one-sided! Thank you for reading and encouraging others to “be the one to be the one” (a mantra I’ve exposed for most of my adult life… 🙂 ).
Ruth Mills says
I tend to be the planner in my circles so I’m the one organizing the get- togethers. A wise friend told me it’s not how clean your house is people will remember but how they felt, what kind of time they had with you. Freed up the perfectionist clean freak in me so gathering others to our house is more fun for all of us! I occasionally battle the wanting to be the invitee rather than the inviter but the Spirit nudge to use my gifts gets me out of that funk & into more community. It’s not a vicious circle. I see it as a wheel going where God steers us. We all need to be somewhere next to others to complete that wheel.
Robin Dance says
Ruth, for those of us who usually initiate, it can get wearying to always be in that seat. But truly, it’s how God wired us, right? Some folks don’t (yet) have the confidence to do so. You make such good points about engagement over production. Indeed, a messy house with a lot of love is better than a spotless home with no love. I’ve been in both…………. 🙂
Cindy Clayton says
This is so timely. I have been feeling the Lord nudging me toward something around community/relationships within the body of Christ. I’m still unclear as to what He intends that to look like but this helps confirm His leading in my life. And yes, godly friendship is a gift and a necessity. Thank you for sharing this word!
Robin Dance says
What a gift to me, Cindy. That God would prompt me to write something that pointed to Him in a way that confirmed His leading in your life? Exciting! Keep me posted on what that looks like!
way rosemary says
Thankfulness
Gloria J Nees says
Never found a church that welcome me or treated me with respect. They had their clicks and that was all their was. Even the minister and his wife ignored me. . So I watch my services on TV and really get a lot out of them. Listen to religious music every day. I believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he died on the cross.
Robin Dance says
Gloria, The church is full of sinners, isn’t it? I’m so sorry for experience, but thankful you’ve understood and responded to the saving grace of Jesus. I pray that you find a body of people to pour into, to share your time and talents.
Becky Keife says
Robin, I love that exercise of thinking back on the people God has used to help shape and grow our faith — a parade of the faithful. That’s the kind of friend and sister in Christ I want to be.
Robin Dance says
Sweet Becky, THAT’S the kind of sister and friend you are!! xo
Jasmine says
Robin,
So true of what you wrote, friendship founded on Christ is so much we need and desire for..
Though i do not know you, but thru your sincere writing, you are such a loving friend and sister in christ.
Thank you and blessings..
Robin Dance says
Jasmine,
What a sweet blessing your words are this morning. I think you heard the very heart of what I was hoping to share!
Nancy Ruegg says
This post could not have come at a more divinely-chosen moment. I’ve been invited to join a Bible study with a group of young women–even though I’m old enough to be their mother, even grandmother to some. They’re looking for a voice of experience–which I can certainly provide! You have affirmed for me, Robin, that though I may feel awkward at first, God WILL honor our time together. That thought brings tears to my eyes!
Robin Dance says
Nancy!! YES! You have SO much to give, and I so appreciate your willingness, even if it’s on shaky legs. I’m praying for you this morning–praising God for this opportunity, for the women’s hearts and lives you’ll be impacting, for wisdom and grace to abound in you…for your simple obedience. xoxo
Beth Williams says
Robin,
God made us for community. He doesn’t want us to be an island unto ourselves. We are all members of one body-the body of Christ. Each one of us has something to offer. We can encourage, pray for & help others. Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. There have been many faithful people-beautiful faces that have nurtured me in my faith. The church helped me get through a rough time with my aging dad’s geriatric psych issues. In return I have tried to be there for them. Cooking meals when people are sick, or moving. The ways I try to stay connected with friends is via texts, or emails. I realize it helps to know others are thinking of & praying for you.
Blessings 🙂
Jeannie Waters says
Robin, thank you for “stirring us up” to regain community and share the love of Jesus. What a beautiful and timely post.