Intentional
Community
By Brita Crouse
“And let us
consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not
give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us
encourage one another
- - and all the
more as you see the Day approaching."
Hebrews
10:24-25 (NIV)
Over
the weekend, my high school friends and I met up at a local coffee shop. We sat
at a small, round table, elbow-to-elbow, and talked about the changes we have
seen in each other over the past eight years. Some of us are getting married,
starting new jobs or new relationships, and some of us are going through really
difficult things.
One
thing we all agreed on: Our friendship isn’t “normal.” It is a precious gift
from God. Most college kids don’t stay in touch with their friends from back
home. We did, though, despite attending schools in five different states (none
of them Wisconsin),
and having vastly different, life-changing experiences.
The
secret to our long-lasting friendship? Intentionality and vulnerability. We
talk regularly, see each other whenever we can, support one another during
times of suffering, and laugh together during times of joy. We are open and
honest with one another. We apologize when we need to, hold each other
accountable, and spur one another on with biblical truths.
These
friendships have given me a clear picture of how the Church should operate. How
different would our lives be if we interacted with others in this way on a
daily basis?
We
have been created as relational beings, to be known and to know others. If you
have ever spent a long time alone, you will know this to be true. Our faith
life, our struggles, and our triumphs are not meant to be kept a secret.
Believing that you are the only one who is going through something difficult is
one of the biggest lies Satan tells. You are never alone in your struggles. Not
only do you have God, but you also have a community of believers who are ready
to give support and encouragement.
It
wasn’t easy for me, but I have learned how to be vulnerable with this group of
friends, and guess what? They still love me. They encourage me, pray for me,
and “spur [me] on toward love and good deeds.”
When
we are transparent with one another, those feelings of isolation and loneliness
disappear, bonds are formed, and we are brought into an intentional community,
where we are loved and supported.
GOING
DEEPER:
1. Who can you be encouraging this week?
2. What are ways that you can be spurring on your
friends and family this week?
FURTHER
READING:
Brita recently
graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Psychology, has been
attending Oakwood for sixteen
years, and is currently a helper for Oakwood’s Quest 56.
