While living here on campus at Bethel Seminary, we are blessed to be a part of one of the most amazing communities I’ve ever been a part of. There is something amazing and special about “doing life” with people that you care about and that care about you. I’ve heard some people say things like “I can do it on my own” or “I don’t need help from anyone.” It is my belief that this is simply not true. God designed us to be in community…we are relational beings to our core. We need to celebrate together. We need to laugh together. We need to cry together. We need to hold each other accountable.
Living on campus is a unique experience where we get to live with people from all walks of life who are in different stages of life…but who all have one thing in common…and that is of course Bethel Seminary. Whether we are in school or married to someone who is in school, we know what this season feels like and how valuable it is to have people all around us to talk to on the bad and good days! Not only that, but to have friends around all the time to hang out with, ask favors of and to help out when they need something. It is something special that I did not completely realize the value of and cannot begin to imagine how much I will miss when we graduate.
Now…I know that everyone cannot move up to Bethel to experience what I’m describing (but if you want to, we do have a few open apartments and we’d love to have you!!), but you can experience this in your own unique way in your own life! Church communities are an amazing way to “do life together.” Join a small group, take a class or even just meeting someone new at a weekend service. Church is not the only place of course…the possibilities are endless really. Groups of people with similar interests (i.e. running, knitting, mom’s groups) or groups focused on healing (12 steps groups or other recovery groups). To connect to others in a genuine fashion can be scary. It’s hard to be honest and transparent with other people…especially if you’ve tried that before and been hurt. But not being in community, not taking the risk is so much worse.
God did not create us to be alone. Just look at the creation story in the Bible. Adam was lonely and God created Eve. There is no guarantee it won’t be messy or complicated…or that there won’t be any hurt involved from time to time…but in the end it’s so very worth it.
So why do people resist community? Perhaps they are afraid of being hurt? Maybe they’ve never experienced genuine healthy community and don’t know what they are missing? Could they be fearful of judgement or even healthy confrontation from others? I’m sure the list is endless…
It is my hope that each of you can find a community of safe people who are striving to grow as individuals in all facets of their lives…embrace the relational being that God made you to be. Decide to get engaged and choose to start this week!!
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