Together

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” Acts 2:44-45

Look at how the early Christians lived their lives in devotion to one another. Acts 2:44 says that they, “Were together and had everything in common.” Do you see those two words, “were together?” They did everything together. They went to the temple together, gathered in homes together, ate meals together, worshipped together, and prayed together. They literally and physically made it through life together. That is one amazing picture of early Christianity!

Every believer said the same thing: “What’s mine is yours.” Understand, this was not Communism. It was not forced. This was not Socialism. What do I call this? It was “Loving God-ism,” because their generosity to one another was rooted in their deep love for Jesus. Because they had already given to God what they had, it was no big deal to give to others, as there was need.

How were they able to love each other so tangibly? It is because they had really gotten to know each other. Because they got to know each other, they had grown to love each other. Because they had grown to love each other, they were willing to give to each other what the other needed. You will never get that type of community in one hour in a worship center. You will never find that attending church one-hour a week. You will only experience real fellowship and true friendship in community groups.

There are two things that you can get and give in a community group that you can’t get and give anywhere else. The first is accountability and the second is encouragement. You cannot continuously miss a community group without people calling on you, checking on you, and making sure you are all right. You can’t hide in a group and you can’t run from a group. This is the place to share tough times and struggles.  It is the place to rejoice in the good times and victories.

The Christian life is a walk and it was never meant to be a lonely one. It was meant to be a journey with both God and with other people. Just as Jesus walked together, literally and physically and not just spiritually, with a group for three years, so should you.

Dear Lord, I realize how important it is to have accountability and encouragement in my life. I pray that you would help to prioritize being in community so that I can experience all of the blessings that come with it. In Jesus' name, amen.