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What does it mean to have a full life as a Christian? Some think you must give up everything – like becoming a monk – and focus solely on ministry. And there is a solid argument for that – life is short, eternity is what matters most. Shouldn’t we spend all our time helping people find God?

Yet even Jesus, who had the most important mission and three short years to do it, didn’t spend all his time preaching or healing. Take the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11). When asked to perform a miracle, Jesus didn’t seem eager to do it. Why was he there? Perhaps simply to celebrate a couple’s new beginning and to enjoy time with friends and family.

Later Jesus joined a new convert for a ‘great banquet’ (Luke 5:27-29). In fact, Jesus had so many meals with “sinners” his critics accused him of being a glutton and a drunkard (Luke 7:34).

This joyful, communal way of living didn’t stop with Jesus. After the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, the first Christians continued to share life together. They devoted themselves to fellowship, shared everything in common, and regularly ate together in each others’ homes (Acts 2:42-46).

Why Do We Need Community?

We were made for joy and connection. Our best moments usually happen with others. In fact, research consistently shows that close relationships are the single biggest predictor of happiness and health—even more than exercise or income. But God said it first:

  • Two are better than one. If either falls, one can help the other up. (Ecc 4:9-10)
  • Do not give up meeting together… but encourage one another. (Heb 10:24–25)
  • Rejoice with those who rejoice. Carry each other’s burdens. (Rom 12:15, Gal 6:2)

So How Do We Foster Deeper Friendships?

Community doesn’t usually form by accident. It requires intention, patience, and humility. Here are a few simple (but challenging) steps:

  • Be a friend first. Don’t wait for others to reach out—initiate.
  • Be intentional. Schedule time. Create space. Make it a priority.
  • Show up in the hard times. Sit with friends in their grief and confusion.
  • Show up in the good times. Celebrate birthdays, promotions, babies, engagements.
  • Be honest and vulnerable—but not all the time. Deep friendship includes laughter, joy, and shared silliness. Make room for fun.

Jesus didn’t just come to save us from sin. He came to give us an abundant life (John 10:10). A full life in Christ is not a narrow life—it is wide and rich and beautifully interconnected.

Let us pursue that kind of life together.

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