By Rev Dr Isiah Dhliwayo
In a world filled with division and isolation, the concept of belonging holds significant value. As people we are not meant to journey alone but rather to find connection and purpose within the body of Christ.
It is vital to delve into the essence of belonging from a biblical perspective, exploring the profound calling we have to be part of God’s family just as the human body functions harmoniously with its various parts, so too are we called to work together in love and unity.
We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves. “The Bible knows nothing of solitary saints or spiritual hermits isolated from other believers and deprived of fellowship”,(Rick Warren in The Daniel Plan ).
In the book of Genesis, we see that from the very beginning, God created humans for relationship—with Himself and with one another. Genesis 2:18 emphasizes that it is not good for man to be alone, highlighting our inherent need for companionship and connection.As individuals created in the image of a relational God, we are designed to thrive in community.
As humans, our greatest desire is to know and be known, to love and be loved and to feel confident that those who know and love us will be there for us through joy and trouble.
To belong to Jesus is to abide in the love that surpasses all understanding. His love is not fleeting; it is a steadfast, unwavering force that calls us to remain in its embrace. It is a divine love that guides, sustains, and empowers us in our journey of faith. “ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.
Even in the perfect, sinless environment of Eden, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18a NIV).
When we interact with God, we stimulate the cingulate cortex portion of our brains. It is in this experience that we can feel known and understood, and then we can recognize that we are not alone. This is how our joyful bond with God grows, and we become secure in our identity in Him.
Relationships are the most important part of life. We all desire to be connected to others. The greatest joy a human can feel is the joy of being securely connected or attached to others. The greatest type of pain a human can feel is relational pain, which is experienced through loss, rejection and loneliness
In essence, to be called to belong is to embrace our divine purpose as members of the body of Christ, united in love and fellowship. As we navigate the complexities of life and faith, may we remember that our journey is not solitary but one nurtured within the warmth of Christian community. Let us strive to live out this calling with humility, grace, and compassion, embodying the essence of belonging as we walk.
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