Community: Do good.

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” –

Community is a good thing.  We, as people, grow in maturity, responsibility, and spirituality when we are involved in community, and most important, through community, God’s word is most effectively spread.

Sure, there are evangelical television programs, radio shows, and tracts handed out to various people, but with the possible exception of the tracts, the primary audience of these things are existing believers!  A non-believer is not going to turn on the radio with the thought “I think I’ll listen to a program about God today, as that is something that I care about greatly.  I can’t wait to hear what songs they play worshiping their Lord!”

No – God’s kingdom grows through community.

In the thirteenth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews, the author writes on sacrifices that are pleasing to God.  I want to be pretty clear on one point here, real quick before we continue:  These ‘sacrifices’ will not buy salvation, nor do they gain you any favor with God – they are indications of a saved individual, one who has come to know the Father.

So, in these passages, we find, toward the end, one that states “Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” [, ESV].  What does this mean?  It’s a call to community.  Be so involved with others that you’re sharing what you have.  Maybe this means inviting people to your home for meals… or that you just leave the door open with the statement of “come by anytime!  We’re here for you!”  Loan Bob that hedge trimmer when he asks, and listen when the neighbor needs to talk about the fight he and his wife had, the way his grass is growing in patches, or just the weather.  But be there for others.  Be involved in their lives.  It’s the best way to spread the Gospel – through loving and caring for others.

How can you grow in community today, or even this week?