How to Practice Gratitude in the Midst of Waiting by Wycliffe Bible Translatorsનમૂનો

Cultivate Community

From the very beginning, God established that it wasn’t good for people to do life alone (Genesis 2). We’re created to live in companionship and community, encouraging and helping each other through the ups and downs of life. Especially in the family of God, we’re meant to fellowship together regularly and “… 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 (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV).

Your close community might be among your family and friends, in your neighborhood or in your local church. Wherever it is, it’s important to be in active fellowship with other believers. Doing so is a great way to cope in the midst of waiting — and not just cope but flourish. As you spend time together, you get the opportunity to motivate each other to be faithful and grateful, celebrating the way God is moving in your lives.

Waiting is difficult, and you might become impatient and bitter toward God. That’s also why community is necessary: You can hold each other accountable, admitting sins and repenting together.

In community, you realize you don’t have to carry heavy loads on your own. You can obey the Bible’s instruction to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, NIV). You also get to follow Colossians 3:16 (NLT), which says: “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”

When you’re doing life with other believers, you have the opportunity to shift your focus, too. Caring about others’ needs helps you get your mind off your own or gives you new perspectives, often providing a much-needed mental break from personal problems and helping you avoid self-centeredness.

You can collaborate in community too, finding ways to join together to meet needs and live a lot like the early Church in Acts! They “... met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved” (Acts 2:44-47, NLT).

Reflection:

• What does community look like for you today? Is it thriving, or do you need to cultivate it more?
• How has your community helped you during tough and uncertain times in the past?
• Who can you invite into closer community with fellow believers?