Weekly Devotional: The Importance of Community

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

We seem to live in a society that greatly promotes individualism, and unfortunately, this can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. As human beings, we were not created to go through life alone. God created us to be in relationship with one another.

While on Earth, Jesus gathered a group of believers to join Him in His journey of changing the world. These 12 men, known as the disciples, traveled with Jesus and learned from His teachings. They educated others about the teachings of Jesus and continued to do so after His death.

Jesus had the power to go about His journey alone, but He chose to live in community with His disciples. This serves as an example to us of the importance of living in community. After all, we were created with the need for companionship.

There are so many benefits to being in a loving, Christian community. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Being in a community allows us to build friendships. Our friends encourage us and walk alongside us when we are going through trials, and we do the same for them. Most importantly, friends can help us to remain faithful and obedient in our walk with Christ, and He is present when we gather in His name. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

In the end, living in community is such an important aspect of living a Christian life. I encourage you to become involved in a Christian community this semester, whether it be through serving at church, joining a club on campus or attending a Life Group. When we lift each other up and come together to live for Christ, we bring glory to His name.

Grand Canyon University encourages students to find their purpose in Christ, with an emphasis on applying Christian values and ethics to the workplace. For more information about a Christian education at GCU, contact us today!