COMMUNITY

Community in today's modern society doesn't come naturally. 
In fact, it's a lot easier to hole up in our houses and communicate with the outside world on our own terms than it is to talk to someone face to face. 
God's idea of community is a bit different than ours, though.

Psalm 133:1

"Oh, how wonderful, how pleasing it is when God’s people 
all come together as one!"

He says that something special happens when we get together with other Christians!

UNITY

It's not that we can't have online friendships.

It's just that we need to have real life friendships too.

Both are important.

Trust is a huge reason why virtual relationships take the place of tangible relationships.

It's a lot easier to confide in a faceless person on the other side of the screen 

than it is to open up about our issues to someone we actually know.

Don't you agree?

Anonymity can be good sometimes. 

But if we don't talk to a real person about some problems, 

then we're not gonna move past them.

It's hard to empathize with someone through the "Like" button.

Voices need to be heard. 

Hands need to be held.

Hugs need to be felt.

Sometimes we just need to TALK IT OUT. 

I know this isn't a problem for everyone.

Some of us are really good at having online and real friendships at the same time.

It's all about balance.

But if online social media is replacing tangible friendships in our lives, 

then maybe it's time to take a break from Facebook and Twitter.

Maybe it's time to focus on our next door neighbor or the girl sitting near us at church.

Community creates a safe place.

A place to be real.

A place of authenticity.

Virtual relationships just can't see you through tough times like your church family.

Someone has to bring the meals when you're sick.

Arms are needed to hold your baby when you're depressed and can't get out of bed.

Encouraging words have to be HEARD in your ear when you feel hopeless.

Prayers need to be said out loud (for and with each-other) to get through some things. 

Our iPad's and Kindle's can't replace community. 

All they can do is offer an imitation of what real fellowship should look like.

Real relationships require work but are much more rewarding!

When a computer crashes, we usually have to buy a new one.

But when a friend falls down, we don't replace her.

We physically help her up. 

Take a chance today and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

You just might make a new friend. 

Proverbs 18:24

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly."