Biblical Answer

The Value of Community in Our Daily Lives When We're Feeling Hopeful

Hope and Community: A Necessary Combination

Hope and community are deeply intertwined. Hope is a distinctly human experience that gives us a sense of direction and purpose. When we are hopeful, we are more likely to be drawn to community, and community, in turn, provides a nurturing environment for hope to flourish. As Paul writes in Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Community is essential for our spiritual formation, as it provides a space for us to grow, learn, and be encouraged by others.

The Importance of a Center of Orientation and Devotion

According to the provided text, human individuals and communities need a center of orientation and devotion outside themselves and their perceived desires and needs if they are to find genuine fulfillment. This center is none other than God, who has done for us and is doing in us. The community of God can build each other up by remembering the blessings we have been given in Christ. This is evident in Ephesians 1, where Paul lists the long benefits we have received through our salvation in Christ. By being part of a community that shares this common hope and devotion, we can find inner peace and a sense of purpose, even in the midst of challenges.

The Role of Community in Nurturing Hope

Community plays a vital role in nurturing hope in our lives. By being around people who share our values and devotion to God, we can find encouragement, strength, and a sense of belonging. As the text notes, "Being around such people is edifying, enriching, balancing, and fulfilling, and it helps us keep perspective when things seem to grow out of proportion." Hope is a skill that develops over time, and community provides the necessary reminders and support to help us cultivate this skill. By committing ourselves to a church and seeking opportunities for daily reminders, we can nurture our hope and find purpose in our lives. In the words of Dr. Joseph Hellerman, "Long-term interpersonal relationships are the crucible of genuine progress in the Christian life."