Community groups are small groups of people who share their lives with each other. What is the purpose for small groups of people to meet in a particular place? The hope is for the people to connect emotionally and spiritually. But why? Is it simply to be involved with another person’s affairs? No. All that does is provide the opportunity for gossip to develop, especially for busybodies (if this last phrase stings a bit, it might be time for some personal reflection…).
What, then, is the reason for community groups? It is my intention to support the idea that community groups can provide an atmosphere conducive to true personal growth. When we invite people into our lives, we give them access to who we are. As this occurs, something vital inside us is nourished.
I have known persons who claim they are not social, that they would rather be by themselves. I have also known persons who claim that small groups are unsafe environments. While it is true that there are people who enjoy solitude and those who have painful experiences of small group, the real truth of the matter is that we are, at bottom, relational. Our brains were designed to interact with other brains. Our hearts were created to mingle with other hearts. We cannot remain in solitude for long periods of time without it becoming stifling isolation.
In support of my argument, I will propose two principles:
1) God is the source of all that is, ever has been or ever will be. As such, he is the supreme authority and discovering how he designed life to be lived is of supreme importance.
2) While Adam was created with the capacity for deep, meaningful relationship with God, he was also created with a need for healthy relationship, to intimately and richly connect with other human beings.
Come back soon…we’ll discuss this issue further!
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