"All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:44-47
On a recent work trip, I was doing a lot of traveling with our students. One morning we were getting ready to go hiking, my water bottle kept spilling in my backpack (so there was no avoiding a wet bag and back until it dried out.) Because of this, I was running late, grumpy and annoyed that this was happening to me. My co-worker sent the students ahead to start the hike and came back to the room to check on me - just in time to hear me let an out an exasperated 'UGHHH'.
"What's going on?"
"Um… I'm just frustrated."
She told me it was okay and that we would be partners for the beginning of the hike. I felt awkward and embarrassed that someone had caught me expressing my emotions in that way, so I didn't really want to talk to her, but knew I should share what was going on. It was uncomfortable at first, but she gave me space and asked good questions to help me vent. It led to a deeper conversation about shame I tied to having people wait on me, and negative past experiences of always seeming to take longer to do things than others. It was a minor inconvenience, but it exposed a side of myself that I didn't readily share with others.
We spent a lot of time around each other during this trip and often didn't have a lot of privacy. In some ways, it reminded me of this passage in Acts (Acts 2:44-47).
It paints a beautiful image of the community of the first church and it seems radical today that people lived like that. One thing I always think about is the proximity and intimacy required to live in such a way - The word 'together' is used three times. I'm sure it was uncomfortable! But it led to such fruit! They had to live in a way they hadn't before, to witness God do things they hadn't seen before.
I had to let my co-worker into a place I wanted to keep hidden, and let myself be seen at what wasn't my best. For me, it led to being known more deeply and receiving kind words in place of harsh ones I had held onto. Trying to live into this new vulnerability led to seeing God use my experiences to extend patience and understanding to others as well.
I hope the same happens for you - as you take a step into community - whether it feels risky, vulnerable or uncomfortable - may God meet you through His people in a way your soul has been longing for. Press in friends and see what God has in store!