Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are talking about the importance of intimacy. The past two days we have defined intimacy as when people get really close, and also when we choose to be close to God. We also defined intimacy as in-to-me-see—allowing someone to see your heart and grow in love.

Another type of intimacy the Bible talks about is among a group of people, a community. Just like intimacy has its own meaning inside the word, so does community … common unity … community. A group of people can get very close to one another. Oftentimes, this may revolve around some issue, something positive or negative, that the group has in common. Yet, most of the time, as the closeness grows, the focus of the relationships no longer are about the original thing that drew them together. Now, the community is simply unified in their hearts.

Listen to Acts 2:42-47 …

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers 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. (NLT)

What was this group’s common thread? A relationship with Christ.

What did this create among them? They all acted like Jesus, individually and as a community.

What happened as a result of the community’s unity? More people wanted to be a part.

Listen once again to The Message Bible’s version …

Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.

Have you experienced this kind of unity among a community?

Maybe you are experiencing this right now?

Or maybe you desperately need this in your life?

If you have it, thank God and pray for your friends in the community. If you don’t, ask God to help you find your community … people in love with Jesus who understand intimacy with Him and others.

In our prayer time today, as I just stated, if you have a community, take a moment to lift them up. If you don’t, ask God now to show you where and how to find yours. … As above, so below.”

Why We’re Sick of Hearing About Gratitude And Why It’s Also So Important