Biblical Answer

Can I still have a sense of community?

In a very stable community where everyone has known each other for a long time, it may seem like the notion of community is inherently tied to the presence of long-standing relationships. However, the Bible teaches us that true community is not necessarily bound by geographical location or duration of relationships. In fact, the Bible shows us that people from different backgrounds and locations can come together to form a community that is centered on their shared faith in Jesus Christ.

This is evident in the New Testament, where we see people from different walks of life coming together to form the early Christian community. The apostle Paul, for instance, writes to the Corinthian church, which was comprised of people from various social classes and backgrounds. Despite their differences, they were united in their faith in Jesus Christ and worked together to build up the church. This is a powerful example of how community can transcend geographical and social boundaries.

In the context of spiritual community, we can still experience a sense of belonging and connection with others, even if we are not in a traditional community setting. This can be achieved through activities such as serving the poor, attending Bible studies and fellowship groups, or participating in worship services. By engaging in these activities, we can enter into the lives of others and build meaningful relationships that are centered on our shared faith in Jesus Christ. As Dr. Joseph Hellerman notes, long-term interpersonal relationships are the crucible of genuine progress in the Christian life, and spiritual community can provide a similar environment for growth and development.