Last week, we talked about the tension that comes with being chosen by Christ—how we live in this world but operate by different values. But being chosen isn’t just about standing apart; it’s about standing together. Jesus didn’t select isolated individuals; He created a community.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:12-13
A New Kind of Togetherness
Have you noticed how Jesus words about being “not of the world” (John 15:19) follow a command about how we should treat each other (Love one another John 15:12)? That’s no accident. When we’re set apart from the world’s values, we need each other more than ever.
The community Jesus envisions isn’t just a casual gathering or a weekly meeting. It’s a radical reimagining of human relationships. “Love one another as I have loved you” sets a standard that’s frankly impossible by normal human capacity. How did Jesus love? Sacrificially, consistently, truthfully, and with incredible patience.
This isn’t the “I’ll-be-there-for-you-when-it’s-convenient” kind of love that’s common in our culture. It’s the “I’ll-give-up-my-life-for-you” kind of love that Jesus modeled. Pretty challenging, right?
Why Community Matters for the Chosen
When we’re swimming against the cultural current, we need fellow swimmers. Here’s why this kind of deep community matters:
- Confirmation of our identity – When the world questions who we are, we need others who see us through God’s eyes.
- Courage in our convictions – It’s easier to stand firm when you’re not standing alone. The early church didn’t just survive persecution—they thrived through it because they had each other.
- Completion of our witness – Jesus said something fascinating in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Our unity is actually part of our testimony!
- Correction for our blind spots – Let’s be honest—none of us has this all figured out. We need people who love us enough to speak truth when we’re veering off course.
Building Authentic Community Today
So how do we build this kind of counter-cultural community in our everyday lives? Here are some practical steps:
- Prioritize depth over breadth – You don’t need hundreds of connections; you need a few meaningful ones. Invest deeply in relationships where you can be fully known and fully loved.
- Practice vulnerability – Real community can’t happen without real honesty. Take the risk of letting others see your struggles, not just your strengths.
- Extend grace liberally – Remember that everyone in community is still growing. The same patience and forgiveness you need, others need from you.
- Create regular rhythms – Meaningful community doesn’t just happen; it needs intentional time and space. Whether it’s a weekly meal, a regular study, or planned service projects, build community into your calendar.
- Serve together – Nothing builds bonds like shared mission. Find ways to love others alongside your fellow believers.
When we experience authentic community as Jesus intended, we discover something powerful—we’re not just surviving as outsiders in the world; we’re thriving as family members in God’s household.
The world offers plenty of groups based on shared interests, backgrounds, or goals. But the community Jesus creates among His chosen ones is different—it’s based on His love, sustained by His Spirit, and designed to reflect His character to a watching world.
Next week, we’ll explore “Chosen: Purpose” as we examine Jesus’ words about bearing fruit that remains (John 15:16). We’ll discover how our chosen identity isn’t just about who we are, but what we’re called to accomplish together.