God created Adam, and said it is not good for him to be alone, so he created Eve for him. Right there and then, God establishes that it is better to be together in community, than to be alone.

To be part of a community, whether that be your family, your church group, your sports team, or your colleagues at work, is essential to a healthy and flourishing life. We are social creatures, made to support each other. It is good to share with others who can help you bear the burdens and stress of life. We need each other so that we may benefit from social interactions, foster friendships and take action collectively towards what is good and pleasing to God.

Community is also needed to hold each other accountable. Not in a judgmental way, but in a loving and caring way.  “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 10:1. We must encourage each other to walk with the Lord, and if we find a brother who is in transgression, we have a commandment to restore him. Galatians 6:1. Of course we must be fully aware and that we could fall into the same transgression, and we would need the support and accountability from our community.

In this age of loneliness, our “community” lives inside our cell phone. Human interactions have become dangerously scarce. It is therefore a serious task for us to actively cultivate a real community.

1. Find your community – search for a group of people that shares your values and beliefs. This could be through shared interest, hobbies, and most importantly faith.
2. Actively participate – community requires your work. You must participate, be available, attend, and communicate with your community in an active manner.
3. Open Communication – Be honest, encourage dialogue, promote understanding and resolve conflicts.
4. Be empathetic – being part of a community requires understanding and kindness. Be compassionate and help when required.
5. Appreciate differences – realize that not everyone inside your community will act just like you. Learn to love that you are all different, yet all created in the image of God.

Life is simply better together. Share your gifts and talents given to you by God to live a more meaningful life. We first belong to Christ, and second, we belong to each other. Love God first, and love your neighbor and community members as yourself.