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)
Once, while in college, 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 were getting married, starting new jobs
or new relationships, and some of us were 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 talked regularly, saw each
other whenever we could, supported one another during times of suffering, and
laughed together during times of joy. We were open and honest with one another.
We apologized when we need to, held each other accountable, and spurred 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 loved me. They encouraged me, prayed for me, and “spurred [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 is a licensed
K-12 School Counselor and works as the Non-Public Counselor in Roseville,
Minnesota. For the past eighteen years, she has called Oakwood her home church.
