Life is meant to be shared.
Jesus had only 12 disciples, but actually there were more than that many who followed him around during his time here on earth. But he kept these 12 close because he knew that the power of God is felt the most in small groups.
I can testify to how freeing a small group can be. When we are alone and just going life by ourselves pursuing whatever it is we are pursuing, things can get tough and lonely. The power of a small group can heal many wounds. It’s a place where we can share our innermost feelings. We were meant to share, because the process of sharing is revealing ourselves with all honesty.
We are told in the Bible to do this. In previous chapters we are encouraged to be honest with God, and we should be honest with others too. “Pain shared is pain halved, joy shared is joy doubled,” is a phrase I heard first from my friend Clint and more recently from Dave at church. We are commanded to do these things because it is how it is meant to be.
It’s not always easy. At the end of the chapter it talks about forgiveness and trust. Sometimes a group might not be completely honest or sympathetic, and can even betray your trust. So finding friends that you can trust is vital. In finding that you will find the power of God. Pray that God will help you to find a group of truly loving, sympathetic believers if you are not with one already.
But do it together, it’s the way it’s supposed to be.