1. Humans are created for community.
As far back as Eden, God said, 'It is not good for man to be alone' (Genesis 2:18). Studies show a functional relationship makes you less likely to die from cancer, heart disease, suicide and even from accidents. In British mental hospitals admission rates per 100,000 of population were: 257 for married men, 663 for single men, 752 for widowed men and 1,959 for divorced men.¹ And so many of us are alone. Europe is more individualistic than traditional societies, but the breakdown of the village and the extended family has come with a price - loneliness. A study by the London School of Economics found the happiest country in the world was Bangladesh!² One of the world's poorest countries, its people are so connected to their family and tribe that they are never lonely. Nelson Mandela quoted the old Zulu proverb, "Umntu ngumntu ngabantu" – a person is a person because of other people.
2. Sin put cracks in community.
Originally Adam and Eve had perfect community with God and each other. But then they sinned, and from then on the story shows blaming, fighting, murder, separation and warped relationships (Genesis 3-50).
3. Jesus re-established community.
He didn't save the world by remote control from the comfort of heaven, mailing a book or a video. He came personally. 'The Word became flesh and pitched his tent among us, and we experienced His glory… full of grace and truth' (John 1:14).
Aside from His sacrificial death and brilliant teachings, His major gift to the world was a community – the church. His Apostles' first duty was to 'be with Him', learning by personal association and influence. Then He sent them out to influence others (Mark 3:13-15).
4. Our task is to invite people to community with God and each other.
God has given us 'the ministry of reconciliation' and 'the message of reconciliation' (2 Corinthians 5:18,19). The ministry, treating people with Christlike care, forgiveness, and respect, sets people up to understand the message of reconciliation with God through the gospel.
