"Build & Block" | February 9, 2025 | Ps Christina Lowery

In our journey of faith, we often focus on our individual relationship with God. While this is undoubtedly important, there's another crucial aspect that we sometimes overlook – our connections with fellow believers. The concept of community is not just a nice-to-have; it's a fundamental part of our spiritual design.

Think about it: right from the beginning, in the story of creation, God declared, "It is not good for man to be alone." This wasn't just about marriage; it was about the fundamental human need for connection. We are wired for relationships, designed to thrive in community. Science even backs this up, showing that humans need physical touch and interaction to flourish.

But here's the thing: while God has designed us for connection, it's up to us to build and maintain these relationships. It's like having a blueprint for a beautiful building – at some point, someone needs to start construction. In the same way, we need to take responsibility for building and protecting our relationships within the faith community.

This process of building connections isn't always easy. In fact, it often requires a dual approach: we must simultaneously build relationships and block attempts to destroy them. Picture the story of Nehemiah and the people of Judah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. They worked with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other – building and defending at the same time.

So how do we apply this in our spiritual lives? Here are three key ways:

1. Be Intentional About Being Together and Staying Together

It's not enough to simply show up for an hour on Sunday morning. Real connection requires intentionality. We need to actively seek ways to be involved in each other's lives – serving together, sharing meals, joining small groups, and supporting one another through life's ups and downs.

But being together is only half the battle. The real challenge is staying together when things get tough. When conflicts arise or annoyances creep in, our natural instinct might be to avoid or withdraw. However, this is precisely when we need to lean in and stay committed to our relationships.

Remember the promise in Psalm 92:13: "Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God." Staying rooted in the community of faith is key to our spiritual growth and flourishing.

2. Encourage One Another and Forgive One Another

Encouragement is a powerful tool for building relationships. The word itself means "to put in courage." When we encourage others, we're literally infusing them with courage, helping them stand taller and face challenges with renewed strength.

On the flip side, forgiveness is our defense against the enemy's attempts to divide us. Offense is one of the most potent tactics used to destroy relationships. It often creeps in gradually, building up like bricks in a wall until there's a significant barrier between people.

The antidote? Forgive quickly and often. As Ephesians 4:32 reminds us, "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." This isn't always easy, but it's essential for maintaining strong, healthy relationships within the faith community.

3. Carry Each Other's Burdens and Protect One Another in Times of Vulnerability

Life inevitably brings seasons of suffering and struggle. During these times, the support of a faith community can make all the difference. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

This can take many forms – from practical help like cooking meals or doing laundry to spiritual support through prayer and encouragement. When we step in to help carry someone's burden, we're not just building a relationship; we're helping to sustain and preserve that person through their difficult season.

Moreover, when people are suffering, they're often in a vulnerable state. This is when the enemy tends to attack most fiercely. As a community, we need to be vigilant in protecting and supporting one another during these times. This might mean challenging someone who's heading down a destructive path or simply being present to offer strength and comfort.

In conclusion, building and maintaining connections within our faith community is not just a nice addition to our spiritual lives – it's essential. It requires intentionality, forgiveness, encouragement, and a willingness to bear one another's burdens. When we commit to this, we create a community that's not only united but also impenetrable to the enemy's attempts to divide us.

As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: How can we be more intentional about building and maintaining relationships within our faith community? Are there people we need to forgive? How can we encourage someone today? Is there a brother or sister in Christ whose burden we can help carry?

Remember, we are designed for connection. When we embrace this and actively work to build and protect our relationships, we not only enrich our own lives but also create a powerful testimony to the world about the love and unity found in Christ. Let's commit to being not just friendly, but truly family – supporting, encouraging, and growing together in faith.