Better Together

November 21st, 2025

1 Thessalonians 2:7-13.

As a pastor and a school counselor, one of the enduring truths I have found to be solid is that of community. No matter where you find yourself, community trumps isolation. We were created as social beings. While some of us prefer lots of interaction with others (extroverts), and some of us need to recharge after lots of interactions with others (introverts), we all need others. Isolation, for very long, puts a strain on our mental health. We are meant to be together.

Together is truth, but it is also challenging. We can all think of a person (or group) or a situation in which the community was not healthy. Maybe we were forced into isolation and left out. Perhaps the community was making unhealthy choices and acting out in un-Christlike ways. Whatever the circumstances, we learn from today’s passage that Christlike community is vital to who we are.

Take time today and throughout the week to look at your life: your home, your work, your church. Where do you see Christlike words, actions, and behaviors? Consider your own words, actions, behaviors, and thoughts in those locations. Do they reflect the love and grace of Christ? If not, allow God through the Spirit to transform you and your community.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson