Harmony and Discord: Living in Christian Community

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The call to Christian community is woven throughout the New Testament. From the early church gatherings in Acts to Paul’s exhortations in his letters, we see a clear emphasis on the importance of believers living life together. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25, New International Version). But what does living in Christian community look like in practice?

The dream of shared faith, deep connection, and mutual support can be incredibly attractive. Yet, the reality of living in close quarters with other imperfect people—even those who share your faith—can be messy.

The Harmony of Shared Life

There’s a unique beauty to living in Christian community. Imagine surrounding yourself with people who are actively pursuing a life following Christ. You can share meals, have deep theological discussions, and hold one another accountable in your walk with God. Here are some of the wonderful aspects of Christian community:

Spiritual Growth: Surrounding yourself with believers who are passionate about their faith can be a powerful catalyst for your growth. Bible studies, prayer groups, and sharing life’s struggles with those who understand can deepen your understanding of God and strengthen your faith. As Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Practical Support: Life throws curveballs, and having a community to lean on during difficult times is invaluable. Whether it’s a helping hand with childcare, emotional support after a loss, or simply someone to listen without judgment, Christian community provides a safety net of practical care.
Accountability: We all have blind spots. Living in a Christian community means having people who know you well enough to gently call out areas where you might be struggling or need encouragement. This kind of loving accountability can be crucial for staying on track with your Christian walk.
Belonging: The human need for belonging is deep-seated. Christian community offers a place where you are accepted and loved for who you are, flaws and all. Paul emphasized our belonging in 1 Corinthians 12:12 (ESV): “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”

The Discord of Living Close

Living in close proximity with others, even fellow believers, isn’t always sunshine and roses. Here are some challenges you might encounter:

Personality Clashes: We’re all unique individuals with different personalities and preferences. Living in close quarters can magnify these differences, leading to friction and misunderstandings.
Unrealistic Expectations: Sometimes, we romanticize Christian community, forgetting that everyone is still under construction. There will be disagreements, hurt feelings, and even sin within the community.
Boundaries: Knowing where healthy boundaries lie is crucial. While community is important, it’s not about sacrificing your personal needs and space. Learning to navigate healthy boundaries can be a challenge.

Finding the Melody in Christian Community

So, how do we navigate the joys and challenges of Christian community? Here are a few tips:

Embrace Imperfection: Remember, you’re not joining a community of perfect people, but a community of growing believers. Extend grace to yourself and others.
Practice Active Communication: Open and honest communication is essential. Learn to express your needs and concerns respectfully and be willing to listen when others do the same.
Focus on Forgiveness: When disagreements arise, be quick to forgive and move forward. Holding onto resentment will only poison the well of community. As Paul exhorts us: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, ESV).
Celebrate Differences: Our differences are part of what makes the body of Christ so rich. Learn to appreciate the unique gifts and perspectives each person brings to the table.

Listen now to a short segment of this Abide meditation based on Psalm 133:1. Let God speak to your heart about the power of living in Christian community.

Living in Christian community isn’t always easy, but the potential rewards are immense. By embracing the good, the bad, and the inevitable growing pains, we can experience a deeper level of fellowship, support, and spiritual growth that can only be found by living life together in Christ.

Let Abide be your daily companion efforts to live in Christian community. Our 1500+ guided meditations, like the one above, all exist to help you draw closer to God. Use this link for 25% off a premium subscription, giving you access to our entire library of content.