Top 21 Bible Verses About Community (With Commentary)
Community is a beautiful expression of fellowship and support found in the Bible. It reminds us of our interconnectedness and the importance of nurturing relationships. Join me as we explore a collection of Bible verses that celebrate the power of community, provide insights into its benefits, and inspire us to cultivate authentic connections with others, fostering love, unity, and growth.
Bible Verses About Community
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
This passage encourages believers to gather together for the purpose of mutual edification, encouragement, and growth. It highlights the importance of community in spurring one another on towards love and good deeds, especially as the time draws nearer for Christ’s return.
Acts 2:42-47
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
This passage describes the early church’s radical commitment to community and sharing. Believers devoted themselves to fellowship, teaching, and prayer, while also selling their possessions and sharing with those in need. As a result, they experienced a powerful sense of awe and witnessed many miraculous signs. Their community was characterized by generosity, joy, and favor with all people.
Romans 12:4-5
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
Paul uses the analogy of a physical body to describe the interconnectedness of believers in a community. Just as a body is made up of many different parts that work together for a common purpose, so too are believers united in their diversity and interdependence in the body of Christ. Each member has a unique role to play, but all are essential for the health and functioning of the whole.
1 Corinthians 12:25-27
“That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
This passage builds on the idea of believers as members of one body, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual care. When one member suffers or rejoices, the whole body is affected. Paul urges the Corinthians to eliminate any divisions or factions that would undermine the health and unity of the community.
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
This simple command encapsulates the heart of community – bearing one another’s burdens and lifting one another up in love. By doing so, believers fulfill the command of Christ to love one another as he has loved them.
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
This proverb highlights the importance of community in shaping and refining believers. Just as iron is sharpened by contact with another piece of iron, so too are believers sharpened and strengthened through their interactions with one another.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”
This passage acknowledges the reality of hardship and struggles in life, but also emphasizes the value of community in supporting and encouraging one another through those difficult times.
John 13:34-35
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus gives his followers a new commandment – to love one another as he has loved them. This radical love and selflessness within a community of believers is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the gospel.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Paul urges the Thessalonians to continue in their practice of encouraging and building one another up in faith. This mutual edification is a key aspect of a healthy and vibrant community of believers.
Philippians 2:1-4
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Paul urges the Philippians to prioritize unity and humility within their community, being mindful of the needs and interests of others. He highlights the shared spiritual experiences that should bind them together in love and fellowship.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Paul encourages the Colossians to let the message of Christ dwell richly in their hearts, and to use it to teach and admonish one another in wisdom. He also emphasizes the importance of worshiping together in song and gratitude.
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
James stresses the importance of confession and prayer within a community of believers. By sharing their struggles and weaknesses with one another, they are able to find healing and support through the prayers of the righteous.
1 John 4:7-8
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
John highlights the centrality of love within a community of believers, emphasizing that it is a hallmark of those who have been born of God and truly know him. Without love, true community cannot exist.
Romans 15:5-7
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Paul prays for the Romans to experience a deep sense of harmony and unity within their community, for the purpose of bringing glory to God. He emphasizes the importance of welcoming one another as Christ has welcomed them.
Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This proverb acknowledges the potential pitfalls of superficial or insincere relationships, but also emphasizes the incredible depth of loyalty and support that can exist within a true community of believers.
1 Peter 2:4-5
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Peter uses the imagery of a spiritual building to describe the community of believers, emphasizing that they are all being built up together as living stones in the spiritual house of God. They are called to be a holy priesthood, offering up spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ.
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Jesus assures his followers that even the smallest gathering of believers, when they are gathered in his name, is a place where he is present among them. The presence of Christ is the ultimate source of unity and strength within any community of believers.
What does the Bible say about Community?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and the significance of relationships among believers. Throughout its teachings, there are numerous references to the concept of community, stressing unity, mutual support, and love among members of the faith.
- Fellowship and Encouragement: The Bible encourages believers to come together in fellowship and mutual encouragement. In Hebrews 10:24-25, it says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” This passage highlights the value of gathering as a community to support and motivate one another in living out their faith.
- Sharing and Caring for One Another: In Acts 2:44-45, the early Christian community is described, saying, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” This exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and generosity within a strong community, where members share their resources and support those in need.
- Unity and One Body: The Bible frequently speaks of believers as being part of one body, with Christ as the head. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, it is written, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” This unity underscores the idea that each member is interconnected and plays a vital role in the overall functioning of the community.
- Exhortation to Love: Jesus emphasized the commandment to love one another. In John 13:34-35, He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” Love is at the heart of Christian community, and it fosters a bond that transcends differences and unites believers in their shared faith.
- Bearing Each Other’s Burdens: Galatians 6:2 instructs, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” The Bible encourages believers to provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to one another during difficult times, demonstrating compassion and empathy.
- Praying Together: Acts 2:42 mentions how the early Christians devoted themselves to prayer. Praying as a community strengthens their relationship with God and reinforces the sense of togetherness and shared devotion.
In summary, the Bible portrays community as an essential aspect of the Christian life, where believers come together in fellowship, love, unity, and support. A strong community enables believers to grow in their faith, care for one another, and collectively live out the teachings of Jesus Christ.
