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The English poet John Donne wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”

As I reflected on Paul’s encouraging letter to the Roman church, I thought of a loving, vibrant community. In this chapter, Paul gives wonderful advice about belonging to an endearing community where each person is validated.

In community, we have times of rejoicing, grief, joy—such as birthdays, weddings, or graduations—and sadness—such as death, illness, and separation. Polar opposites.

We must think of others and live in harmony because we are in a community. As John Donne said, we are not an “entity of itself.” We are part of what should be a caring community. We must do our part to make our communities loving ones. We can’t alienate ourselves from others but should use opportunities to become involved. As much as possible, we should do good to others, especially the poor and ostracized. We should not let our economic, educational, political, or social status make us proud, unable, or unwilling to reach out and down to help others.

When we think of others first, we can rejoice when they rejoice and be happy for them. Our world has so much hurt, so we need to be empathetic. We can show up for people in times of happiness and sadness. If we cannot be there physically, we can text, call, or send a card or gift.

We are not an island but a part of a community. We are a link in the chain. When we’re not present, the chain is broken and becomes weaker.

Someone needs you to be there for them. Will you? What are some ways you can be? 

(photo courtesy of pixabay.com.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)