Friday Fight 204: Community Soil - The Foundation of Support

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF204.

How many of us have faced a life-altering experience and found ourselves wanting to reach out for help, only to realize that those we would typically turn to are too far away to provide immediate support? It could be a car accident, illness, or an incredible birth of a child, but again, the family we grew up with, those cultivated in the same family soil and relied on, are miles away. In these moments, the comfort and security of a supportive community can be a lifeline, a testament to the love and care that God has placed in our lives. However, we also recognize that many individuals must lean on friends and neighbors for similar support regardless of their circumstances. Irrespective of the category, this interconnected network of relationships is what we refer to as our community.

Community Soil: The Foundation of Support

If this situation sounds familiar, some of us may understand from personal experience that God creates family and surrounds us with a community. I grew up surrounded by an incredible family that has been a constant source of support. We may have friends who are considered family and relatives who we call our best friends. Regardless of the category, God designed us to be part of a Christian community, a network of people who support and walk alongside us through life with laughter and tears.

Reflecting on the life of Christ, we see that at the height of His ministry, His immediate community consisted of His disciples. Those around Him loved and supported Him through prayer, acts of service, shared meals, companionship, and hospitality. While we may not have Jesus physically present in our communities, we are surrounded by individuals who strive to embody His teachings and demonstrate Christ-like love. Hebrews 10:24-25 not only encourages us to come together in worship and prayer but in our gathering we become a support system that defends against the true darkness found in isolation. We need to make gathering a priority, just as we make spending time with God a priority.

Our communities strengthen us as we navigate life's uncertainties. We may or may not be related, but in our spiritually diverse family, we are held accountable, covered in prayer, and have an entire tribe of people who have our back. Our spiritual journey and commitment to faith are fortified by the presence of those who walk alongside us, where seeds of love, forgiveness, and compassion are planted and nurtured in the rich and diverse soil of community.

This week, let’s take a moment to assess and appreciate the community we have around us. If we are without one or want to expand, pray and ask God to cultivate that. Just as plants need fertile soil to grow, we need a supportive Christian community to thrive. This 'community soil' is the foundation of our support, providing the nutrients and stability we need to weather life's storms and celebrate its joys. Our spiritual walk and commitment to it are strengthened by those beside us, where seeds of love and forgiveness are planted and sown in community soil. Let's serve one another while working collaboratively to extend our service to others.

Photo Credit: Michele LaSala

Pastor Shannon &

Sherri Gagnon

River Church