Better Together

They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42 (NIV)

What did Jesus do with most of His time on earth? 

Though we might think He performed as many miracles as possible or preached to as many people as He could, Jesus instead chose something entirely unexpected.

Jesus cultivated close friendships. While Jesus did perform miracles and teach crowds of people, the majority of His time was spent with twelve close friends – His disciples. Jesus – the King of Heaven and Creator of the world, commits to friendship and community. The salvation of all humanity depended upon the fulfillment of His ministry, and yet He does not attempt to do life alone. 

As a follower of Jesus Christ, you need an inner circle too. Today’s passage says that followers of Jesus in the early church “devoted themselves” not only to teaching but also to fellowship. Why? 

Because following Jesus happens best in relationships with others. 

If you are not consistently cultivating close relationships, how will you mature? It’s only in community that you learn how to be patient, offer and receive forgiveness, and grow in the way of love. You need the kind of fellowship that happens by living life alongside others, sharing joys and burdens, sorrows and disappointments, and victories and defeats. 

And don’t be discouraged if you’ve tried before and it has seemed difficult or disappointing. Even Jesus’ inner circle was full of complex relationships and betrayal. It was not perfect, but Jesus still committed to life in community. Jesus Himself will lead you as you follow His will, committing to build relationships with others. 

Do you have an inner circle? If not, begin to pursue this vital element of your faith. Open your heart and make a plan to get into a small group, join a team, or partner with a group to pray for others. When you devote yourself to community, you are following Jesus’ example and His Word. And you will receive His very best for your life.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank You for the people you’ve placed in my life. I pray that You would help me to invest in deep, meaningful relationships with other believers. Lead me to a small group of trusted friends where we allow one another to be transparent with our sin struggles, love through anything, and hold each other accountable to the truth of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.