Choosing to Gather as Community

I've been meditating lately on the immense value of gathering together in  community. We were never meant to do life alone. Unfortunately, sometimes we get busy, or we're "too tired" and we get into the habit of not gathering. God has designed us to live in community with one another and to share our lives. When we live this way we develop a sense of connection and a sense of being part of a whole.

In Hebrews10:19-25, we are exhorted to draw near to God with a heart that is true, and with full assurance of faith, to get into the habit of gathering together, to be concerned for one another and to encourage one another. Unfortunately some get into the habit of not gathering together and this leads to a sense of disconnection with others. Let's not be the type of person who complains about being disconnected but doesn't make an effort to connect. Instead, let's be the person who  makes and intentional decision, who chooses to gather and to connect regardless of circumstance.

I encourage each of us to think about how well we are choosing to connect with one another, to gather together to encourage one another, not just in the greater gathering but in life groups and faith communities. If we are feeling disconnected it may be that we are developing a habit of not gathering together. I encourage each one of us to gather in community so that we remain connected to each other and can encourage each other regularly. The days are not easy, but together we are empowered to love God more and to live life well.

In Acts 2:42-47 we read how the followers of Jesus devoted themselves to the gathering both in the Temple and in the small groups from house to house. They were deliberate in sharing their lives with each other. They understood the power of community and chose to gather together.

My encouragement to us is to choose to gather, to choose community and to be encouraged and empowered by the gathering together of women in community.