Resilience in
Community
By Lexi Cole Ellis
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
By Lexi Cole Ellis
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
Recently, I read Sheryl Sandberg’s book Option B. She and co-author, Adam Grant, explore resilience by combining lessons with research and anecdotes. One lesson that stood out to me was how essential community is in order to build resilience.
“Resilience is not just built in individuals. It is built among individuals in our neighborhoods, schools, towns and governments. When we build resilience together, we become stronger ourselves and form communities that can overcome obstacles and prevent adversity." [1]
But beyond the studies and experts and examples in the book, Scripture has always made that very point. We were not meant to journey alone, nor is our faith meant to be exclusively private. We were created to be in fellowship and active relationship with not only our God, but with a community of believers. We were created and commanded to love and encourage (or spur on) each other.
Of course, it makes sense that God would command something that truly is for our best. Being in community allows us to build resilience and keep faith through times of heartache and struggles. It also allows us to be the tangible hands and feet of Christ to others - - through prayer, encouragement and acts of service - - as they walk through pain and trials. When we live this, not only do we show Christ's love as an example to unbelievers, but we "become stronger ourselves," as we witness God's work in our lives and others.
Which is why community is worth it…despite the mess. It's worth the sometimes awkwardness or occasional conflict. It's worth being vulnerable so others can support and love. It's worth the growing pains when things don't go as planned or our selfishness gets in the way of the ideal of what biblical community should look like.
Having resilience through real pain and trials isn't individualistic. Yes, God designed each of us uniquely, but with a similar blueprint. A common design in which being in community both benefits us and allows us to be a blessing to others.
Today and every day, may we enter into community with other believers by being vulnerable ourselves in our own struggles, and by encouraging others as they walk through theirs.
GOING DEEPER:
1. How
does your "resilience in community" look? How can you be more
resilient, vulnerable and authentic with those God has put in your life?
2. Who
in your village/community needs a reminder they are resilient? What's one small
thing you can do this week?
FURTHER READING:
1 Thessalonians 5:14; Galatians 6:2; 1 Peter 4:8-11
Lexi’s family consist of her, her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.
[1] Adam Grant & Sheryl Sandberg, Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2017).
