“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor…” (Ecc 4:9)

Folks from the community arrived in pairs – married couples, friends, mother and daughter. People placed their wares on the counter: sandwiches, pizza, fruit, cakes, cookies. The array of food seemed endless. Groups naturally formed, with some talking about the day’s events and others already getting down to the serious business that had brought them together on this night: card games.

Citizens in the small town of Rocky (where I grew up and where my parents still live) recently started a game night. Every Tuesday evening, they gather at the senior citizens center to play games and socialize. Game night has brought people in the community together in a way that I haven’t seen in years. Those who haven’t gone yet have heard enough about it that they’ve placed it on their calendars. Members of the community – many of whom have known each other for 20 or 30 years – have gotten to know each other better and formed deeper bonds through the shared experiences of game night.

Some people struggle to find community. They prefer solitude or are reluctant to open up and share about themselves. I enjoy spending time alone, but too much solitude begins to bring me down and fosters an environment where my thoughts turn inward. Community brings me out of myself and turns my focus onto those around me.

In the Bible, we find many positive reasons to develop community. We can encourage each other and hold each other accountable: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:24-25)

Community provides an environment in which people can be themselves and relax and share their cares with others. In community, people set aside their differences for a shared purpose. According to Psalm 133:1, it is “good and pleasant…when God’s people live together in unity!” (Ps 133:1)

Jesus himself set an example of how we should live with others. He called twelve men to follow him, and a number of women followed him as well (Luke 8:1-3). By following Jesus’ example, we, too, can surround ourselves with those who encourage us, unify us, and help us look outside of ourselves to the needs of others.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the community with which you have surrounded me. Help me to look for ways to encourage and support others within my community and to invite others who may not know you to join us. Amen.