“There is healing God can only bring into your life when you are in relationship.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 3, 2022
Bear one another’s burdens. Galatians 6:2
The western world is a culture of individuality and independence, a culture which often prides itself on making it alone, succeeding alone, and rising above challenges—alone. We praise those who are self-sufficient and self-made. Unlike many other cultures that value community above individualism, the United States—along with other western countries—often values individualism over community.
But God’s way is not the way of individualism and independence void of supportive—and intimate—community. It’s not His way to isolate His people from one another, but to connect people to one another.
Perhaps if you could sit and talk with Jesus, He would say something like this about His gift of community:
“I created my people to depend and rely on one another. When you isolate yourself from others by believing you must be self-sufficient, because you believe leaning on others and having them bear your burdens is shameful, you miss out on the joy of giving and receiving.”
“Just as my Father and I are one, I am joyful when I see my children walking together in unity, loving one another, and helping one another. I want them to be one as my Father and I are one” (John 17:21).
“There are some things I can teach you when you are alone with Me, in solitude and in silence, and as you read my Word. There are some places you go and experiences you have that you and I must do together—alone. Sometimes others can’t go with you where I am taking you.”
“But there are some lessons I want to teach you that can only be learned in community and relationship. There is healing only I can bring into your life within relationship. I do some of my best work in the sometimes messy context of relationships. This is where you can learn to give, receive, and where I can heal your broken places.”
“To receive my spiritual blessings and lessons that can come only through community, and relationship, you must lay down the belief that you do not need anyone. This lie is not from Me and can come from a wounded heart. I created you to love and be loved. Some of my biggest blessings will come to you as you learn to receive from others.”
“You must also lay aside the belief that receiving or needing is shameful. I am the only perfect One. I created you to give and receive. And in this there is great joy. I have not created you to be an island unto yourself. I created my people to live in community, so they know the love that comes from giving and receiving.”
“Be devoted to one another in love” (Romans 12:10).
Prayer
Lord, help me to lean into relationship with others and to press into community with those around me. Help me to be a change maker for others as I love them with your love. Amen.
Application
Do you need to develop a greater connection with others around you to create a solid, supportive, God-honoring community? If so, talk with the Lord about it.
Related Reading
Romans 15:7; Ephesians 4:32; Romans 12:16
Worship Resource
Danny Gokey ft. Michael W. Smith: Love God, Love People
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
