Biblical Answer

The Possibility of Community in the Face of Adversity

While it is true that community can be a place where violence, injustice, and anger can thrive, it is also a space where the wise can speak up and choose a wise response. In fact, the Bible teaches us that community is not just a place where we can come together to share our struggles, but also where we can find support, encouragement, and guidance. When disaster strikes, we need the support of friends and neighbors who are physically close to us. In fact, research has shown that people who have a strong support network of friends and family are more likely to recover from adversity than those who do not (Pemberton, 2013).

In a community, we have the opportunity to enter into the lives of others in meaningful ways. By serving the poor, attending Bible study and fellowship groups, or participating in worship services, we can build relationships with others and find common ground. This is especially true in a Christian community, where the emphasis is on serving others and building each other up. As Dr. Joseph Hellerman notes, "Long-term interpersonal relationships are the crucible of genuine progress in the Christian life." (Hellerman, 2009) In a community, we can learn to forgive, to love, and to serve others, even in the midst of adversity.

However, community can also be a place of fragmentation and division. When different communities become isolated from one another, accusations of unfair treatment and sectarianism can proliferate. But even in the midst of such challenges, community can be a powerful force for healing and transformation. By choosing to remain silent about the failings of others, and by speaking up with wisdom and compassion, we can build bridges of understanding and trust. As the Bible teaches, "a wise person remains silent about such matters" (Proverbs 12b). By choosing to live in community, we can find the support, encouragement, and guidance we need to overcome adversity and find common ground.