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Why Join a Group? – To Find Support

We live in the age of Always-Connectedness.

Growing up in Seattle, WA in the 90s, we learned to type by the age of 7. We knew that personal computers were becoming more than just a tool to play The Oregon Trail at school or pretend to be secret agents on the computers running DOS at the library. (DOS stands for Dinosaur Operating System, for those too young to have experienced this!)

Personally, I love keeping up with the latest trends in technology as a hobby. Ask me about anything Apple-related, and I can probably give you at least an educated answer! From a consumer’s standpoint, technology has advanced in leaps and bounds for the primary purpose of keeping us connected to the world around us. Our worlds today largely operate on the basis of this connectedness, and, with this, the presumption of always being able to be reached.

For many of us, including myself, we have experienced the pros and cons of this always-connectedness. Through social media, we can share the joys and sorrows of life with others we care about. Through apps, emails, and messaging, we can collaborate with others and notify them at a moment’s notice. But when we’ve had our interaction through the use of technology, we are often left with a longing for deeper, truly authentic, personal connection and support… Do you know this feeling, too?

Scripture teaches us that the greatest two commandments are to love the LORD our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. What does this mean? We are made to be in communion with God and with others—especially other believers in our church body. Communion runs deeper and far more richly than just “being connected.” It means that we are bound together under the same head: Christ. We have fellowship with God through Christ. We have fellowship with one another through Christ.

True support then as believers (think: communion with others put into action) happens not only on Sunday mornings. It happens in our interactions with one another as we are compelled by God’s love. It happens when we serve the world together as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And it happens intentionally when we gather together in community-based, relationally-focused small groups.

Consider with me the words of Romans 12:9–13:

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”

Our joy as Christians is fostered as we fellowship with God and others. We find support and encouragement as we share our lives with others. What is one small way that you can support others this week, and so adorn the gospel of grace?

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