What Does The Bible Say About Community?

What Does The Bible Say About Community? Behold, God wants us to embrace His ways and live in unity, and harmony. In addition, He wants us to faithfully love our neighbors as ourselves. Unfortunately, when you mention the word community these days, many people eye you as if you were just arriving from another planet. Even to some Christians, the idea of community sounds abnormal. Perhaps this is because of the misconception they have about it. On talking about living in a community, many naturally build a defensive barrier without even first understanding what it is all about. They fear that you are going to ask them to sell all their belongings, give the money to the poor, wear bib overalls, and move to a farm for the raising of peanuts.

In addition, when you are talking about living in a community, some people fear that you are going to ask them to abandon their highly fertilized lawns and move to the inner city where they can join others. Such thoughts come as the result of misunderstanding the whole concept of living in a community as pointed out by the Best Bible Verses About Living in a Community. Failing to clearly understand the true meaning of a community and embracing it will deprive us from one of God’s greatest gift to mankind. A life in a community is a special gift from God worth embracing. In simple terms, we can say that a Christian community is sharing a common life in Christ, the beloved Son of God. It moves us beyond the self-interest isolation of private lives as well as the superficial social contacts that pass for “Christian Fellowship.”

What Does The Bible Say About Community?

The Biblical idea of a community challenges all followers of Christ to commit themselves in living life together. Such a community is that which is revealed in the “each other” language that is regularly encountered in the New Testament: love one another, regard each other more highly than yourselves, forgive each other, support each other, encourage each other, pray for each other, teach and correct each other, comfort each other, be kind with each other, actively practice generosity with each other, show compassion for each other, be hospitable for each other, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, serve one another, be committed to one another, and bear each other’s burdens.

Life Alone vs Life in Community

The Bible verses about living in a community remind us that we can’t do without others. God’s word tells us that with need each other. Unfortunately, only a few people understand and practice this. It is sad to say but gradually disappearing are the days when we were once a society that centered around the well-being and general advancement of the family. In the past, it was easier to perceive multiple generations living together under one roof. And even when families did live separately, they didn’t move too far from each other. Unfortunately, this is no longer the prevailing case these days as we are more into an individualistic culture. We turn to live far from the places that we were raised. The notion of deeply rooted relationships is disappearing. Most connections these days take place in workplaces. But such are usually shallow and short lived.

Even in the church, we perceive this sense of disconnectedness and individualism. Such individualism or practice of carrying out life alone is not part of God’s design for mankind. Remember that God is a community in Himself. He has always been existing for all eternity past as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Love, fellowship, and unity is enjoyed by these Three Divine Persons in One. This fellowship of Three in One is referred to as the perfect Divine Trinity Community. God did not create man to be in community with Him alone. As we can read from Genesis 2:18, God willingly created man and woman to be in a community together within which they could bring forth families and dwell together in the likeness of the Three-In-One God. Through Christ, we are also invited into a relationship with our neighbors.

The importance of living in a community

1. A way to see Christ in others

This is one of the mos important ways through which a community helps by embodying the continuity of Christ’s presence on Earth among His followers. We feel the love of Christ through that offered by our brothers and sisters in the faith. When they forgive us our sins, they are reflecting God’s forgiving nature. When our brothers and sisters in the faith join hands in prayers for our brokenness, we are confident that they are sharing in the healing work of Jesus Christ. In the midst of all forms of hostility and violence, our loads are lightened by having ourselves surrounded by a faithful Christian community. Such a community provides us with support, encouragement, compassion, and comfort to keep going.

2. A place to pray and worship

We can as well perceive a community as a workshop for prayer and worship that will boost our spiritual growth and understanding in the things of God. The New Testament teaches us to pray and pray for one another. These teachings are related by both instructions and actions as we can read from Ephesians 6:18.

3. A source of accountability and guidance

Our continuing conversion and amelioration in carrying out the things of God is highly boosted and furthered by a community. It does this by being a place where we teach each other and genuinely hold ourselves accountable to each other. By hearing what God is teaching others, we are also teaching ourselves. By submitting to the guidance and scrutiny of our brothers and sisters, it forces us to grow and become more accountable for the commitments that we make. In addition, by refusing accountability to the community, we are rejecting growth and putting ourselves in grave danger. Genuine accountability must not have overtones of checking up and scolding. It rather works by helping and encouraging us to meet-up with our commitments and goals. A community gives us a place to air our growth, successes, failures, and struggles. It is a fertile ground for good advice and encouragement.

4. A witness of Christ to the world

A Christian Community goes far beyond simply bringing the body of Christ to strength and maturity. A genuine Christian community through its character and actions, witness to the supreme power and presence of God in the world. Such is a model of what God wants for mankind. Always remember that the disciples of Jesus Christ are to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16), shining like the bright morning stars (Philippians 2:15), as they reflect the true brightness of God (2 Corinthians 3:18).

5. A place to reflect God’s love

As followers of Christ, we are ambassadors of God’s love to mankind. In a community, you become a vessel for others to experience God’s love. That is, you understand God’s love, you meditate on it, and you spread it out to others. We are informed by the Best Bible Verses About Love and the Best Bible Verses About God’s Love for mankind that anyone who does not love does not know God. That’s why we should cultivate love in everything that we do. By so doing, we’ll manifest the fruits of love which are charity, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy.

6. A place to serve

A community is the perfect place to learn to stripe away our self-interest so as to genuinely serve others in reverence for Christ. In a community, we learn to share what God has blessed us with, whether it be goods or spiritual gifts.

What The Bible Says About Community

Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.“

Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!“

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “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.”

Romans 12:4-5 – “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

Acts 2:46-47 – “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Romans 12:16 – “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.“

1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.“

1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Group 1 – What The Bible Says About Community

Acts 4:32 – “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”

1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.“

Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

1 John 4:11 – “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

Romans 15:5 – “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”

Acts 1:14 – “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”

Romans 16:17 – “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”

Romans 14:1 – “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”

Galatians 3:28-29 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Group 2 – What The Bible Says About Community

Acts 12:5 – “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”

1 Timothy 5:3 – “Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.”

Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

John 13:20 – “Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.“

1 Corinthians 12:13 – “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

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Acts 2:42-47 – “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers, And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common, And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need, And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, …”

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “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.”

Group 3 – What The Bible Says About Community

Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

1 Thessalonians 5:14 – “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.“

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.“

Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Romans 12:3-13 – “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; …”

Group 4 – What The Bible Says About Community

Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Matthew 22:37-40 – “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”“

1 Corinthians 12:25-27 – “That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

Philippians 2:3-16 – “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. …”

1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

Group 5 – What The Bible Says About Community

Colossians 3:13 – “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Psalm 133:1-3 – “A Song of Ascents. Of David. 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! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.”

John 15:12-13 – “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Matthew 5:13-16 – “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Group 6 – What The Bible Says About Community

Romans 12:16 – “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”

Romans 12:9-21 – “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. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. …”

James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Romans 12:5 – “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.“

Romans 15:7 – “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

1 Peter 4:8-11 – “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Group 7 – What The Bible Says About Community

1 Peter 2:9-10 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

Ephesians 4:2-6 – “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. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Psalm 133:1 – “A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!“

1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Ephesians 4:15-16 – “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

Romans 12:4-5 – “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.“

Group 8 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

John 15:1-12 – “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. …”

Romans 1:11-12 – “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

1 Peter 4:10 – “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:”

Acts 2:44-47 – “And all who believed were together and had all things in common And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need, And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Group 9 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

1 Peter 4:9 – “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

Acts 1:14 – “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”

1 John 4:11 – “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

Galatians 6:10 – “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Acts 4:32 – “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.”

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Genesis 2:18 – Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Ephesians 4:1-6 – “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. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, …“

Proverbs 15:22 – “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Group 10 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

Ezekiel 34:1-31 – “The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. …”

Leviticus 19:9-18 – ““When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God, “You shall not steal, you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another, You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord, “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning. …”

Group 11 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

Acts 4:32-35 – “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”

Ephesians 4:3 – “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Romans 15:5 – “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,”

Zechariah 7:9-10 – “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”

Romans 16:17 – “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.”

Romans 14:1 – “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.”

Group 12 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

1 John 4:19-21 – “We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

James 2:14-17 – “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Colossians 3:14 – “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Philippians 2:1-30 – “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, …”

Group 13 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

Galatians 5:13 – “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians 5:18-21 – “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Romans 12:1-21 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. …“

Hebrews 10:25 – “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.”

Group 14 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

Galatians 3:28-29 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”

Romans 12:10 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

1 Thessalonians 4:18 – “Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

James 1:27 – “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.”

1 Timothy 5:3 – “Honor widows who are truly widows.”

Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Philippians 2:4-7 – “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

Matthew 10:5-8 – “These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.”

Group 15 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Matthew 25:35 – “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,”

Hebrews 6:10 – “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.“

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1 Corinthians 1:1-31 – “Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— …”

Matthew 10:8 – “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.”

Group 16 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

Mark 3:31-34 – “And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!”

Hebrews 10:24 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”

Galatians 6:2-3 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”

1 Peter 5:2 – “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;”

Leviticus 19:18 – “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”

Leviticus 19:11-13 – “You shall not steal, you shall not deal falsely, you shall not lie to one another, You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Group 17 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

Isaiah 58:9-14 – “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fai, And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. …”

1 Corinthians 12:13 – “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.“

1 John 3:16-18 – “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

Hebrews 13:1-2 – “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Group 18 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.“

Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Proverbs 3:1-4 – “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.“

Acts 2:46-47 – “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Group 19 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

Isaiah 61:1-4 – “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; …”

Acts 12:5 – “So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.”

Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

Philippians 2:1-11 – “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, …”

Group 20 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

1 Corinthians 12:1-31 – “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, …”

Romans 12:9-13 – “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. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”

John 13:20 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

Galatians 6:9-10 – “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Group 21 – What Does The Bible Say About Community?

Colossians 2:1-23 – “For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. ...”