Community

The concept of community is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's design for human relationships and social structures. From the creation account, where God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18), to the establishment of Israel as a covenant community, the Bible underscores the importance of living in fellowship with others.

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel serves as a primary example of a divinely ordained community. The Israelites were called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6), set apart to live according to God's laws and to reflect His character to the surrounding nations. The communal life of Israel was marked by shared worship, mutual responsibility, and adherence to the covenantal laws given through Moses.

The New Testament expands the concept of community through the establishment of the Church, the body of Christ. Believers are described as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5), emphasizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of each member. The early Church in Acts exemplifies this communal life, as they "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). This community was characterized by unity, generosity, and a shared commitment to the teachings of Christ.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the nature of Christian community in his epistles, using the metaphor of the body to describe the Church. He writes, "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another" (Romans 12:4-5). This imagery highlights the diversity of gifts and roles within the community, all working together for the common good and the glory of God.

Counsel

Counsel, or the giving and receiving of advice and guidance, is a significant theme in Scripture, reflecting the wisdom and discernment that God desires for His people. The Bible presents God as the ultimate source of wisdom, as seen in James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him" .

In the Old Testament, the Book of Proverbs is particularly rich in teachings about counsel. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" . This highlights the value of seeking wise and godly advice in decision-making processes. The wisdom literature consistently encourages individuals to seek counsel from those who are righteous and experienced, as seen in Proverbs 15:22: "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" .

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit as the Counselor or Advocate. Jesus promises His disciples, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you" (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit provides believers with divine guidance and insight, enabling them to live according to God's will.

The apostolic letters also stress the importance of mutual counsel within the Christian community. Paul advises the Colossians, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16). This instruction underscores the communal aspect of counsel, where believers are encouraged to support and guide one another in love and truth.

In summary, both community and counsel are integral to the biblical vision of a life lived in accordance with God's purposes. They reflect the relational nature of God and His desire for His people to live in harmony, wisdom, and mutual edification.