With a Little Help From My Friends

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”   Gal. 6:2

It is interesting that Jesus trained his disciples to think of themselves as a community, not as individuals trying to relate to their private God.  I’ve heard it said that Community is a place:

1. To know and be known

2. To love and be loved

3. To serve and to be served

4. To celebrate and be celebrated.

That is a great picture of the way church is supposed to be.  It is not a one-way street.  It is giving and being given to.  It is being part of something larger than yourself.

When we have had deaths in the family, or a new baby, it is our church family who reached out to us.  I have tried to  reach out to those in my relationship circle when they have had large life events going on.  When you live in a big city, I think it is imperative to make  long-term connections with others.  I have done that at the Vineyard.

At times, the church or our small group can be an Oasis for others where they can get some rest.  Sometimes the church is a hospital where people process forgiveness and healing.  Sometimes it is a  school where we learn spiritual truths.  Sometimes it is an army where we use our spiritual gifts.

Occasionally, I see people who only want to be served, or who only want to serve others.  I don’t think that is  healthy long term.  (I do realize there are seasons in life, but life really is better in a “village.”)

A small group or a church, where people use their gifts and serve one another, can do major things together.

I’m so glad for a place to know and be known and to serve and be served.

Blessings,

Thora

Author: Thora Anderson

Pastor, wife, daughter, sister, friend, Recovering worrier, Thinker, Mother of two teenagers. I've been in ministry for over 30 years and count that as huge success.

2 thoughts on “With a Little Help From My Friends”

  1. The Vineyard is an excellent place “to know and be known and to serve and be served.” Being a part of this team is simply amazing!

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