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 currently working toward her Master’s in Counseling at the University of
Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past
seventeen years.
