Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #23 — Christian Community

Picture: Counsel #23 — Christian Community CR 381.1

Throughout Scripture, God’s people found strength and courage in community. In the early church, believers met daily to pray, worship, and bear one another’s burdens,^[402] and in the Old Testament, Israel gathered as one to hear God’s Word, confess sins, and encourage each other to walk faithfully.^[403] CR 381.2

This biblical model of shared community should remind us that we were never meant to face life’s hardest battles, including the act of forgiveness, alone. When betrayal is recent, it can be tempting to isolate or to rehearse grievances with anyone who will listen, but true biblical community doesn’t fuel bitterness. It helps heal it. A Christ-centered faith family can surround you with prayer, offer godly counsel, and point you back to the hope of the gospel when your emotions feel too heavy to carry. There is also something powerful about gathering for worship. In the presence of God, surrounded by others seeking His face, your heart can be softened, and the Spirit can give you the resolve to forgive in ways you didn’t think possible. Overall, biblical community is more than just people in the same building. It’s a lifeline God designed to help you persevere.^[404] CR 381.3

“Let us help each other to love others and to do good.” Hebrews 10:34 NLV CR 381.4

“Let us cultivate the precious plant of love, and delight to help one another…. We must forgive others in the same manner, and to the same extent, that we ourselves hope to be forgiven.” Ellen White in Gospel Workers, (1892/1893 ed.), p. 429 CR 381.5

Reflect: Is your faith community a safe place that encourages you in doing right? CR 381.6