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.
Hebrews 10:24&25 (ESV)
The Clapham Sect, a group of social reformers, lived in a small village south of London spanning the 1780’s to the 1840’s. The historian Stephen Tomkins describes the group as “a network of friends and families in England, with William Wilberforce as its centre of gravity, who were powerfully bound together by their shared moral and spiritual values, by their religious mission and social activism, by their love for each other, and by marriage.” *
By belonging to this community, the Clapham Sect developed a keen sense of personal and collective identity. They chose to live near each other and spent substantial amounts of time gathered together where they heard readings, sermons and lessons from prominent Evangelical Anglicans who educated them about the plight of those less fortunate. As a result of their concern, they used their influence to end horrendous practices of abuse in English society and, ultimately around the world.
In Hebrews 10:24&25, Christians are exhorted to live in this type of community—to be constantly aware of one another and the need to stimulate each another to loving behavior and good works. To stir up even refers to sharp contention, suggesting that believers must confront one another with their responsibilities. To truly profit from these gifts of others, however, Christians must meet together on a regular basis.
On that note, it’s essential to remember that community doesn’t necessarily involve grand gestures. Sometimes the best way of contributing is to give my time, money, or kindness to others with small daily gestures—and then, in turn, appreciate that I will receive many benefits to my own health and happiness as well.
Consider these benefits of community: support and safety—enjoying a network of support and assurance of safety; connection and belonging—participating in something larger than myself; influence—helping others make positive life changes; sharing—seeking opportunities for healthy positive engagement; learning—acquiring new insights I could not learn on my own; and acceptance—disregarding my own expectations for agreement.
Heavenly Father, mature me into a healthy and happy version of myself—and use community to do it!
*Tomkins, (2010) The Clapham Sect: How Wilberforce’s Circle Changed Britain.