Acts 2:42-47
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
A Personal Journey
When I think about community, my mind often goes back to our time on the farm. The farm was never just about one person’s work; it was a collective effort. I remember during planting and harvest seasons, everyone came together to get the job done.
Building strong relationships and a sense of community has been one of the greatest challenges of moving all over the world. Yet, even amid constant transitions, God has blessed us with meaningful connections. I think of an older couple in New Zealand who initially treated us like their children and later became our close friends. They treated our young son like a grandchild. Sadly, both Leon and Ylode have since passed away. In Paraguay, we had Jaco and Alta, who still farm in Paraguay. They frequently invited us to come and visit them on their farm, where my daughter, who is a farm girl at heart, could spend time with the sheep from sunrise to sunset.
One friendship that stands out is with Noe, a brother I met during my time in Paraguay. Our bond deepened during the challenges of COVID—a season when I desperately needed a close, spiritual brother. Noe’s encouragement and faithfulness were a lifeline for me, and though he has since moved back to the US with his family, we stay in touch. He will always hold a special place in my heart, though I often find myself wishing he were closer.
Another cherished connection from Paraguay is Luke. We shared some deep conversations about life and had some fun, comical moments together. It’s incredible how friendships formed in one season of life continue to bring joy and encouragement, no matter where we find ourselves. Moments like these remind me how much richer life becomes when we invest in the people around us.
The Biblical Perspective
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The Bible is filled with reminders of the importance of living in community. The early church in Acts 2:42-47 provides a beautiful picture of believers who shared their lives, their resources, and their faith.
Here are a few truths about community we can draw from Scripture:
- Community Encourages Growth: Being surrounded by others who share your faith and values helps you grow spiritually and emotionally. Their perspectives challenge you and their experiences enrich your own.
- Cultivate Trust: Be a person others can rely on. Trust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship.We are not meant to do life alone.
- Community Reflects God’s Love: Through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and sacrificial giving, community becomes a living testament to God’s love and grace.
Lessons from the Field
On the farm, we understood that success wasn’t just about the crops—it was about the people. I’ve seen firsthand how vital cooperation is. Even though you have a team of people that you hire, it is still important to have a sense of community to create a healthy work environment. Here are some lessons I’ve learned about community that apply to all areas of life:
- Invest in Relationships: Just like tending to crops, relationships require time and effort. Regular communication, acts of kindness, and shared experiences in the workplace build trust and deepen bonds.
- Joy in Sharing the Harvest: Community allows us to celebrate victories together. Just as the joy of harvest on the farm was multiplied when shared, so too are our blessings in life when we rejoice with others.
- Appreciate Diversity: Each person brings something unique to the table. On the farm, some were great with machinery, others excelled in planning or labor. In life, our differences make us stronger.
- Be Intentional: Relationships don’t happen by accident. Make the effort to reach out to those people that you work with.
Applying This to Your Life
Think about your community—your family, friends, church, or colleagues. How can you invest more deeply in those relationships? Maybe it’s as simple as inviting someone over for a meal, offering a listening ear, or praying for someone who’s struggling. Perhaps it’s sending an encouraging message, offering to help with a need, or simply spending quality time together. Remember, small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.
A Call to Action
This week, make it a goal to connect with at least one person in your community in a meaningful way. Maybe it’s checking in with a neighbor, volunteering at church, or spending quality time with family. Let’s cultivate a sense of togetherness and reflect the love of Christ in our relationships.
May we be people who sow into our communities and reap the blessings of deep, meaningful relationships. Together, let’s continue cultivating a life of abundance.
Credit to Nico Van Zyl
This blog is shared with permission from the author. You can find more articles by Nico at Faithful Harvest. Sojourn Church acknowledges and credits the original author accordingly.
Images used in this blog are also included with permission.