Growing In Community

8 minutes ago

2 min read

God places us among people who are different from us, and those differences can help us grow.

Article artwork created with ChatGPT - Concept and art direction by Steve Ellis

It is often easier to connect with people who think like we do. We may share similar backgrounds, experiences, interests, or perspectives. However, one of the blessings of the church is that God brings together people who are different.

Paul compares the church to a body:

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12, NIV).

A body needs different parts because each contributes something the others cannot. Paul reminds us, “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?” (1 Corinthians 12:17, NIV).

The same is true within the church.

Other Christians have experiences we do not have. They may notice things in Scripture we have overlooked. Their strengths may encourage us where we are weak. Sometimes they may even challenge the way we think.

This means growing in community requires more than simply being together. We need to listen to one another, learn from one another, encourage one another, and allow others to help shape us as we grow in Christ.

God has placed us within a body where “each part” belongs and matters (1 Corinthians 12:27, NIV).

Who has God placed in your life that you need to listen to and learn from?

Adding to Your Faith

This article is part of Adding to Your Faith, a series exploring how we can continue growing and maturing in Christ. Throughout the series, we will consider the importance of intentional growth, transformation, Christian community, and putting our faith into practice.