Spiritual Growth in Community

‘As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend’ Prov. 27:17.

‘You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another’ Prov. 27:17 [MSG]. It is easy to identify this plan in everything that God created. For instance, He created plant with seed in itself. The same way He has given you experiences for the benefit and growth of others. Spiritual growth happens in community. You cannot get very far spiritually being a lone ranger. By God’s grace, God’s Favourite House’ life groups exist to catalyze the process of spiritual growth in the community. You need to bring what God has given you for another person’s sharpening to the table. A number of us are quick to opt out of things that will save our lives for reasons ranging from convenience to simply rebellion. The only way to settle yourself physically is to grow spiritually. God has plans to birth, on a deeper and more personal scale, new things in the life group meetings. Sometimes a variation of what He already began in the larger gatherings and at other times, a new thing all together.  God will do a new thing but the choice whether to be a part of it or not is totally up to us. God wants us to be more deliberate about growing, together and helping each other grow. This is why Paul dedicated most of his life to community outreach and strengthening. He visited Churches and encouraged them to be examples for each other. As you get involved in what God is doing in your community, you will meet the person of Jesus. Spiritual growth in the community takes the shape of Bible study, interactive sessions, praise, worship, and sharing spiritual experiences. Spiritual growth in community changes and saves lives. Even in the Church, personalized care is better achieved at the community level where there is the guarantee of one on one encounter. Jesus while walking on earth leveraged the power of community to change lives and attract people to God. Open up your homes to start specialized life groups and to participate actively in care giving.

Prayer: Father, open my eyes to see how I can better serve in my community. Help me give freely that which I have also received freely in Jesus Name.