Building a Community of Love and Belonging

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we delve into the profound truth that the church is not merely an assembly of individuals but a vibrant community of faith, a family bound by the love of Christ. As believers, we are called to be a sanctuary for the lonely, a place where unconditional love reigns, and where everyone can find a sense of belonging. The church must rise to the occasion, becoming a community that not only welcomes but actively embraces those seeking refuge from the isolation that plagues our society.

We live in a time where the concept of community is desperately sought after, especially among the younger generations. They yearn for a place where they can connect, contribute, and feel part of a family. This is not just about a new style of worship or a casual dress code; it's about finding a genuine community that embodies the love and acceptance of Jesus Christ.

Loneliness is a pervasive issue, even among those who seem surrounded by people, including pastors and professionals. It's a condition that God Himself addresses, as seen in Psalm 68:6, where He sets the lonely in families. This is a divine mandate, a call for the church to be a place where the solitary find a home, where the broken are restored, and where everyone is valued.

The church must be a community that reflects the unity and love that Jesus prayed for in John 17. Our love for one another is the most powerful testimony to the world of Jesus' presence in our lives. It's through this love that we demonstrate the reality of God's kingdom here on earth.

As we consider the epidemic of loneliness, we recognize that the church has a critical role to play. The secular world acknowledges the devastating effects of isolation, equating the health risks to smoking numerous cigarettes a day. But we have the answer in the gospel, which calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Love is the cornerstone of the church as a community. It is a gift from God, a choice that leads to commitment, and an action that must be practiced. Love is the skill we hone as we walk in obedience to Christ's commandments. It is the habit that becomes second nature as we continue to love each other with true Christian love.

In summary, the church must be a community that:

- Provides a family for the lonely, reflecting the heart of God who sets the solitary in families.
- Offers a place of unconditional love and acceptance, where people can come as they are and find healing and hope.
- Acts as a beacon of unity and love, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of the gospel.
- Recognizes the importance of love as a gift, a choice, a commitment, and an action.
- Understands that love for God is inextricably linked to love for others, and this love is the evidence of the credibility of our faith.

Key Takeaways:

- The church must transcend traditional boundaries and become a community where loyalty, solidarity, and love are the defining characteristics. This kind of community is not limited by blood or lineage but is bound by the choice to love unconditionally, as exemplified by Jesus Christ. [01:12:53]

- Love within the church is not a passive feeling but an active choice that leads to commitment. It is a daily decision to embrace others with the love of Christ, regardless of their background or circumstances. This love is the foundation upon which a true community is built. [56:09]

- Unity within the church is not about uniformity of appearance or opinion but about the unity of spirit and purpose. As we strive for unity, we reflect the prayer of Jesus that all believers may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is a testament to the world of God's love. [47:13]

- The epidemic of loneliness is not just a societal issue but a spiritual one that the church is equipped to address. By fostering genuine relationships and community, the church can counteract the devastating effects of isolation and offer a place of belonging and purpose. [48:29]

- Love is the skill we develop as we walk with God and with each other. It is through loving actions, not just words, that we demonstrate the reality of our faith. As we practice loving each other, we grow in our likeness to Christ and strengthen the bonds of our spiritual family. [01:00:36]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 68:6 - "God sets the lonely in families; he leads out the prisoners with singing, but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land."
2. John 17:20-23 - "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
3. Matthew 22:37-40 - "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 68:6, what does God do for the lonely? How does this reflect His character?
2. In John 17:20-23, what is Jesus' prayer for all believers? How does this prayer relate to the concept of community in the church?
3. What are the two greatest commandments mentioned in Matthew 22:37-40? How are they connected to each other?
4. The sermon mentioned that loneliness is a pervasive issue even among those surrounded by people. What examples were given to illustrate this point? [37:24]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the idea of God setting the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6) challenge or affirm your understanding of the church's role in society?
2. Jesus prayed for unity among believers in John 17:20-23. How does this unity serve as a testimony to the world about Jesus' mission and love? [47:13]
3. The sermon emphasized that love is both a gift and a choice. How does this understanding of love influence the way we interact with others in our church community? [54:55]
4. The sermon compared the health risks of loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. How does this comparison help us understand the severity of loneliness and the church's responsibility to address it? [48:29]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt lonely even in a crowd. How did that experience shape your understanding of community? How can you use that experience to help others in your church who might be feeling the same way? [37:24]
2. Jesus prayed for unity among believers. What practical steps can you take to promote unity in your small group or church, especially when there are differences in opinions or backgrounds? [47:13]
3. The sermon mentioned that love is an action and not just an emotion. Think of a specific person in your church who might be feeling isolated. What tangible actions can you take this week to show them the love of Christ? [59:58]
4. The concept of the church as a family was emphasized in the sermon. How can your small group create an environment where everyone feels like they belong and are valued? What specific changes or activities could help foster this sense of family? [35:22]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of loving God and loving others as ourselves. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to love others as yourself. What steps can you take to improve in this area? [49:51]
6. The sermon mentioned that the church should be a place where people can be honest about their struggles. How can you create a safe space in your small group for members to share their challenges without fear of judgment? [43:39]
7. Reflect on the idea that love is a skill that gets better with practice. What specific actions can you take this week to practice loving others more effectively, especially those who are difficult to love? [01:00:36]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Community Beyond Boundaries
In a world where individualism often takes precedence, the call to transcend traditional boundaries within the church is a radical one. It is a call to form a community not defined by blood or lineage but by a shared commitment to embody the love of Christ. This love is not limited by social status, race, or past mistakes; it is an open invitation to all who seek a place to belong. The church is to be a sanctuary where loyalty, solidarity, and love are the defining characteristics, where every person is welcomed with open arms and hearts ready to embrace them as family.

This kind of community requires intentional effort. It means looking beyond our comfort zones, reaching out to those who are different from us, and choosing to love unconditionally. It is in this space that people can come as they are, with all their imperfections, and find a family that supports and nurtures their faith journey. The church, as a reflection of God's love, becomes a beacon of hope for the lonely and a testament to the unifying power of Christ's love [07:40].

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!" - Psalm 133:1-2 ESV

Reflection: Who is someone outside of your usual circle that you can reach out to this week to foster a sense of community and unity within your church family?

Day 2: Active Love as a Foundation
Love within the church is not merely a warm feeling or a passive sentiment; it is an active choice that leads to commitment and community building. This love is a daily decision to embrace others with the love of Christ, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is the foundation upon which a true community is built, where every member is valued and every contribution is appreciated. This active love is not easy; it requires sacrifice, understanding, and a willingness to put others' needs before our own.

As members of the church, it is essential to practice this love in tangible ways. It could be through acts of service, words of encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need. This love is the evidence of the credibility of our faith and the reality of God's kingdom on earth. It is through these loving actions that the church becomes a place where people are drawn to the transformative power of the gospel [56:09].

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." - Romans 12:9-10 ESV

Reflection: What is one specific way you can show active love to a member of your church community this week?

Day 3: Unity in Diversity
The unity that the church is called to embody is not about uniformity of appearance or opinion but about the unity of spirit and purpose. This unity reflects the heart of Jesus' prayer for His followers—that they may be one as He and the Father are one. It is a unity that celebrates diversity, where different gifts, perspectives, and experiences are brought together to create a richer, more vibrant community. This unity is a testament to the world of God's love and the reconciling power of the gospel.

To achieve this unity, church members must be willing to listen to one another, to forgive, and to seek common ground even when disagreements arise. It is a unity that is forged in the fires of humility and grace, where every voice is heard and every person is respected. As the church strives for this kind of unity, it becomes a powerful witness to the world of the love and peace that can only be found in Christ [47:13].

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." - Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV

Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering a spirit of unity within your church, even when faced with differing opinions or personalities?

Day 4: Addressing Spiritual Loneliness
The epidemic of loneliness is not just a societal issue but a spiritual one that the church is uniquely equipped to address. By fostering genuine relationships and community, the church can counteract the devastating effects of isolation and offer a place of belonging and purpose. The church is called to be a family for those who are lonely, a place where the broken can find restoration and where everyone is valued. This mission is critical in a world where many are searching for meaning and connection.

As members of the church, it is important to be aware of those around us who may be suffering in silence. It is our responsibility to reach out, to invite, and to include. By doing so, we live out the gospel in practical ways, showing the world that the church is more than a building—it is a community of hope, healing, and transformation [48:29].

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." - James 1:27 ESV

Reflection: Is there someone in your church or community who might be experiencing loneliness that you can visit or reach out to this week?

Day 5: Love as a Skill to Develop
Love is the skill we develop as we walk with God and with each other. It is through loving actions, not just words, that we demonstrate the reality of our faith. As we practice loving each other, we grow in our likeness to Christ and strengthen the bonds of our spiritual family. This love is not innate; it is a habit that becomes second nature as we continue to love each other with true Christian love. It is a skill honed through patience, forgiveness, and grace.

Developing this skill requires a conscious effort to choose love in every interaction, to see others through the eyes of Christ, and to act in ways that build up rather than tear down. It is a commitment to the well-being of others, a reflection of the selfless love that Christ showed us. As we grow in love, we become more effective in our witness and more united as a body of believers [01:00:36].

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

Reflection: What is one loving action you can take today that will help you grow in your skill of loving others within your church community?

Quotes

- "We've been very good about creating uniformity but we've been very bad about promoting unity. We've rallied around the wrong things...when it became the rallying cry and the litmus test for being righteous, it became a problem." [45:04] (Download | )

- "God sets the solitary in families...God addresses it if you look at Psalm 68:6...God says he's talking about what he will do...God set at the lonely in families." [38:48] (Download | )

- "The Millennials, the Gen Z's, the Gen Xers...they're looking for a body of Believers that becomes their community. They are looking for community...they're looking for a family, a community, and secondly, we want something to do." [35:59] (Download | )

- "Love is an action and it lives out truth. Love is a skill that you get better at as you practice loving...love is also a skill and when we practice loving we get better at it. Love is a habit and can become second nature for you." [01:00:36] (Download | )

- "Love for God is always linked to love for others. How we treat others is the evidence of the credibility of our faith...love is always love for God is always linked to love for others." [01:01:42] (Download | )

- "Love is not only a gift, love is a choice that leads to a commitment...to love your spouse, to love your children, to love God, to love others, to love yourself in a Godly way takes and means that you have to make a choice." [56:09] (Download | )

- "A family built on sabya was one which transcended the physical and bound people together through the intangible...it opened its arms wider to embrace a broader idea of family." [01:12:53] (Download | )

- "The church needs to be a community...God puts the lonely into families...we're going to keep working at being a community that will accept people where they are, take them to where they need to be, and they can call them family." [01:16:13] (Download | )

- "We were created for Fellowship not just with God...God's the one that said it was good for us not to be alone...we were created not to be alone." [01:04:33] (Download | )

- "The most powerful witness we have as a community of Believers is loving one another...by your love for one another they will know that you belong to me." [01:07:39] (Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?