"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
I come from Southern roots fortified in grit with very little grace. "Life is tough. Suck it up and deal with it." That was ingrained in me as a young child. Thus, I quickly learned to appear even tougher to keep others from trying to hurt me. I lived life defensively, assuming the worst of anyone in any situation as a means of protection.
A family mentality like this means I wasn't as familiar with the outside community. Friends were just friends; they were people you hung out with when you crossed paths at church or school, but they weren't people you came alongside and served and supported in everyday life. And these friends certainly didn't love and serve you.
Hardships and hurt were kept private, with no outsiders to share in the burden. As a result, most of my family carried pain that I don't think they were meant to carry alone. Asking for help, exposing vulnerable circumstances, was almost made to seem like a sign of weakness.
But isn't our weakness our access to God's grace? Do we ever truly become challenged and changed if we reach the end of ourselves and aren't willing to admit we aren't enough on our own? God's power is best activated when we recognize our powerlessness, and our seasons of heartache and loneliness are filled with love only when we let God grant us community.
We weren't made to live life alone. God's presence in the garden, when everything was perfect, is a testament to His design for intimacy and friendship. So why, in a world that's now fallen and in desperate need of God's friendship, would we think we have fb ability to tough things out alone? Why would we let pride convince us we are better off without other believers cheering us on?
My husband and I have been part of a young family's life group for a little over a year, and it still feels odd to me to accept the love, service, and support of those who truly want to bless my family. One couple hands is a new pack of diapers they no longer need, another drops off homemade soup when we are sick, and I don't know how to receive such raw, no-strings-attached kindness.
But I open my hands and receive their love with awkward thanks. And I do it again and again because I recognize my need to be humble. I understand the beauty of letting others be a blessing to me. And I know God never called me to be tough. He called me to love others and to let their love grow, who I am. Chasing a family precedent or an ironclad image will leave you bitter at worst, tired at best. It's a losing game that offers nothing more than isolation and a deceptive sense of self-reliance.
I promise, friend, you will lose the game of Big and Bad. Throwing up walls and refusing to open up to trustworthy people will leave you hollow.
Leaning into Christian community is an act of love. It's a form of worship. It's empty hands opened wide, releasing pride to accept grace. And in this, we find that heaven does, indeed, touch earth. We find a common grace wrapped in water park playdates, homemade sourdough bread, and "I'm praying for you" texts. We see God's daily bread in people, meaning what they say, showing up without prerequisites, and love untethered to bias or recompense.
So why not ask God to invite His people into your life? Why not be willing to step into theirs?
Let's pray:
Lord God, thank you for never leaving us alone, for walking with us in and through all things. Thank you to the community for blessing us with other believers to encourage us, challenge our faith, and spur us on in this faith journey. Grant us the humility to be vulnerable with others, to receive help and support that you have designated through the Body. May it be our honor and joy to lean into your gift of togetherness and unity. We love and praise you for being with us, always. Forever, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/fizkes
Related Resource: Managing Anxiety with Christ and Practical Tools
Why do we still struggle with anxiety—even when we’re praying, trusting God, and trying to move forward in faith? In this episode of Faith Over Fear, we explore why ongoing anxiety isn’t a sign of weak faith but often an invitation to deeper dependence on Christ. Through honest conversation and lived experience, you’ll hear how trauma, stress, and biology impact our thoughts and emotions, along with simple, Christ-centered tools to help calm your body, interrupt spiraling thoughts, and stay present with God in real time. From breath prayers and grounding techniques to practicing “micro-moments” of awareness throughout the day, this episode offers a practical, grace-filled approach to managing anxiety while reminding you that you’re not alone—God meets you right in the middle of the struggle, and that’s often where healing begins. If this episode helps you face fear with God's confidence, be sure to follow Faith Over Fear on Apple or Spotify so you get new episodes every week!
Originally published Monday, 27 April 2026.
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