Earlier this week I posted a question on my Facebook page. It was my attempt to do some crowd research for an upcoming sermon series I am working on. The question was simple, “What breaks your heart?”

In just a few hours, I had dozens and dozens of responses, some of which, honestly, broke my heart.

The responses I received were varied, poignant and spoke to the injustices in our society and in the world. There were ones that I expected, like:

children who are neglected or abused
children who go to school hungry or without warm clothes
sexual abuse or violence
innocent people being hurt
human trafficking.
injustices of the distribution of wealth - some going hungry while other are wasting food
bullying - children and adults alike being bullied
broken marriages and divorce

Then there were responses that shouldn’t surprise me but did. They were different in that they were deeply personal, like:

“Missing my best friend, lover, companion, administrator, I even miss her telling what to do and how to do it, but most of all I miss knowing how much she loved me too.”

“Missing loved ones, deceased or alive, especially the ones that are estranged!”

“Death and losing a loved one.”

“Losing my dad.”

“Losing a loved one and when your children have no time for you because they say they are very busy.”

As I read those comments my thoughts quickly turned to prayers, for behind each of those statements was a heart that had experienced loss.

We are designed for intimacy. We are designed to love and to be loved.

We are also designed to be in community (Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 12:4-5; Psalm 133:1; 1 Peter 3:8; Colossians 3:14).

Scripture is all about community. In the New Testament we see the Biblical community gather together. They shared the Word of God together. They lived life with one another, supporting one another through the ups and downs of life, through the joys of birth and the sorrow of loss. They supported one another physically and financially. If anyone had a need, they sold something to meet the need and no one lacked anything. Scripture tells us that other people looked on and saw this radical love, and said, “I don't understand what they believe, but I like what they have! I want what they have!”

The truth is, we need each other. We need to trust and depend upon other believers. God gave us each other to walk alongside, encourage, and spur one another on in the faith.

Friends, small groups (or LifeGroups as we call them at Amberlea) are the purest form of the church. Let’s do life together! Join a LifeGroup today!

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday!