Community Makes Us Stronger: Living into Romans 12
Introduction
It’s easy to believe our faith is one more thing to take on in our own strength. The truth couldn’t be farther. Community and spiritual health go hand-in-hand, and remaining connected to godly brothers and sisters is one of the key blessings we receive on our faith journey. Let’s unpack what it means to love and be loved with brotherly affection like Paul talks about in Romans 12:10.
A new standard
In Romans 12, Paul proposes that God’s standards should shape the Church’s behavior rather than the world’s. The list of behaviors and attitudes that follows spells out God’s priorities for His people. Like the first recipients of this letter, we can and should read these instructions as a mission for the entire church. That is, we’re not asked to do it alone.
When we participate in a community that shares God’s priorities, three distinct benefits arise: someone to mourn and rejoice with, someone to challenge and hold us accountable, and someone to evidence God’s grace in our lives. Or, as Romans 12:10 puts it, “Love one another with brotherly affection.”
1. We share burdens and triumphs
Playing soccer as a kid, my first instinct when a goal was scored was to look for my teammates to celebrate. As an adult, celebrations typically involve less yelling and hugging, but there’s still no better feeling than being able to celebrate with others.
On the other hand, I’m also trying to get better at sharing burdens with my loved ones. It doesn’t come easy. While there’s plenty of biblical and cultural encouragement to be a strong, safe place for other people, sharing your own struggles requires humility and honesty. Those particular godly qualities can feel like a reach when you’re already feeling run down.
However, we cannot be children of God without admitting our need. The title of one article from The Gospel Coalition puts it a little more directly: “God Wants You to Be a Burden.”
Romans 12:15 affirms that bold statement: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” God’s people are meant to live in harmony. That means more than peace. It means a diverse group of believers who can comfort and celebrate in equal measure. Spiritual health means having the humility to be held by God and supported by our brothers in Christ.
When we receive care from someone in a difficult time, we strengthen that relationship. It’s a good thing, too, because the next way community strengthens spiritual health would be tough to receive without that foundation of trust.
2. We hold one another accountable
How do you respond to criticism? Few believers could honestly say they love to receive criticism, but confronting sin struggles is an essential part of the faith. Proverbs 27:6 tells us, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” Having trustworthy people in our life means putting aside our pride to receive those wounds as blessings.
In one episode of The Redeemed Man Podcast, Joshua Broome tells the story of his incredible transformation from a former porn star to a renowned speaker and author. Accountability and support from a trusted mentor were a crucial part of Joshua’s path. He shared, “People critiquing you is such a blessing, but you have to have a soft heart.”
One reason receiving criticisim is so essential is that we don’t always have the clearest sight when it comes to our own lives. Transformation often requires both an individual and community focus on spiritual health. The idiom “like the back of your hand” refers to something close and well-known, but I often feel like I know my spiritual shortcomings like the back of my head: most fully with the help of a mirror.
In Psalm 51, David begs God, “Have mercy on me, O God,” but the power and beauty of this psalm doesn’t exist without Nathan the prophet calling David out for his sin in 2 Samuel 12. David refuses to repent until Nathan tells him directly: “You are the man” (v.7). And what an incredible example of humility David sets in his response.
If you get a moment, read the rest of 2 Samuel 12. David’s response (and Joshua Broome’s) are to receive correction with thankfulness and surrender. What would it take for you to get to that point?
3. We are proof of God's grace in each other's lives
You may have heard this parable-like story that occasionally makes its way into sermons. A man prays for God to save him from a flood. When a neighbor floats by on a boat and offers a seat, the man says, “No, thanks. God will hear my prayers for help.” Several more opportunities present themselves, but the man insists that his faithful prayers will be answered soon. The man drowns. At the pearly gates, God simply asks: “Didn’t you get the boat I sent you?” The people in our lives are a powerful arm of God’s grace and care.
In his book, Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer illustrates this idea another way,
Therefore, the Christian needs another Christian who speaks God’s Word to him….He needs his brother man as a bearer and proclaimer of the divine word of salvation. He needs his brother solely because of Jesus Christ. The Christ in his own heart is weaker than the Christ in the word of his brother; his own heart is uncertain, his brother’s is sure.
When we become discouraged or focused on working things out our own way, a godly friend can ground us in God’s grace and truth. Our community can be that booster shot to our sense of hope an persisistence—both crucial to spiritual health. Sometimes we have to hear something from someone else before it sinks in, even something as powerful and true as the Gospel.
Holding hope for one another
I experienced the power of Christ in another in conversation with a friend recently. On Thursdays, I typically call this friend who’s now in medical school. One week, my friend shared that the most recent rotation at the hospital had left him near despair.
Between a 48-hour shift and a workplace culture in which surgeons regularly cussed out unconscious patients, he questioned whether he could become a doctor while retaining his sense of empathy.
When he had finished sharing, I began to recall the story of his journey to medical school. We talked about God’s faithfulness to him through the process and the medical experiences that made him care so much about treating patients as people loved by God. And finally, we talked about my friend’s character and values.
My friend loves connecting with people, and he loves Jesus. Even in the time-pressed, high-stress world of medicine, I couldn’t imagine this friend tolerating in himself the dismissive and even antagonistic behavior he witnessed. I told him that if he began to act this way to his patients or people he cared about, we would definitely have a conversation about it. And I felt a sense of peace and confidence. This man, taking his fears to God, would not become what he hated.
The next week, my friend began a new rotation. The doctors there asked good questions, patiently explained things, and talked about caring for patients with the same passion (and far more experience) that my friend brought to his work. Hearing about it felt like the most direct answer to prayer. And in that time in-between, I had the privilege of holding the truth of God’s grace and calling on my friend’s life.
Conclusion
Faith is not a one-man journey. As God said from the beginning (Genesis 2:18), “It is not good that the man should be alone.” Like some species of exotic bird, we thrive best with others. The fierce and lasting love described in Romans 12 is key to living faithfully.
With fellow believers helping to carry our burdens and triumphs, hold us accountable, and enacting God’s grace, we receive a picture of God’s love. And, we’re empowered to do the same for others.
Inspiring stories of community and growing faith
Listen to The Redeemed Man podcast for more real-life stories of God meeting men through the believers in their life. Here are a few episodes we recommend:
- David Petty remembers the foster family who truly lived out their faith and, in doing so, helped him find the Lord himself
- Discover Cody Hollister‘s journey from college setbacks to NFL triumphs, and how his church community helped him overcome failures.
- Explore JT Clark’s journey from emptiness to fulfillment, as he discusses overcoming sin with faith & his work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Connect with The Redeemed Community
If you’re inspired to explore the transformative power of spiritual freedom and would like to journey alongside like-minded believers, consider joining one of The Redeemed’s small groups. Whether you prefer meeting in person or connecting online, our community is here to support and grow with you. Join us and discover how surrendering together can lead us into greater freedom.
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