CREATED FOR COMMUNITY
Then God said, “Let Us make human beings in Our image, to be like Us” …So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”
Genesis 1:26-27 (NLT)
Several years ago, I was going through a really hard time where I felt isolated. We were new to Greenville and hardly knew anyone. My wife’s job was terrible, and we desperately missed our old friends. I realized more than ever that I needed community. It wasn’t just about having people around me, but about meaningful connection, support and being known.
One of the most profound truths in Scripture is that we are made in God's image. But what does that mean? Among many implications, one stands out: we were created for relationships. God exists in eternal relationship, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, living in perfect unity and love. From that divine community, God created humanity, not as isolated individuals but as beings designed to reflect His image in community.
Notice how Genesis 1:26-27 emphasizes both God’s plurality (“Let Us make human beings in Our image”) and humanity’s relational nature (“male and female He created them”). Being made in God’s image is more than intelligence, creativity or having a soul. It’s about our capacity for love, connection and mutual care. Just as the Trinity exists in sacrificial love, we are called to reflect that same love and unity in our relationships.
Our culture is full of lonely people. Maybe that’s you today. Perhaps you’ve been hurt and find it easier to stay guarded. But God never designed us to do life alone. The church, our families, friendships and even the broader human community are all ways we live out our divine design. When we love, serve and support one another, we reflect the very nature of God.
APPLICATION: Take time this week to ask yourself: How am I doing at living in community? Do I have people who truly know me and walk through life with me? Am I building relationships, or have I been withdrawing? If you feel isolated, take one small step and connect with someone. You were created for community. Embrace it!
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for creating me in Your image and making me for relationships. I confess that sometimes I try to do life independently, but I need others. Help me open my heart to people. Teach me to embrace community as You intended and to love selflessly as You love within the Trinity. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?