GETTING READY FOR THE WEEK

One of the loudest lies our culture loves is this: “You don’t need anyone else.”  We are constantly being told to prioritize our own happiness, chase independence, and keep things personal—especially when it comes to faith. However, the way of Jesus leads us in a totally different direction. From the very beginning, God designed us to live in community—and following Jesus isn’t something we were ever meant to do alone.
When we treat discipleship like a personal side project, we miss out on the power of belonging. The truth is, God doesn’t just invite us into a relationship with Him—He places us into a family. That’s why in John 17, Jesus doesn’t just pray for our protection—He prays for our unity. He prays that we would be one, because our love for each other actually tells the world what God is like.
So this week, we’re leaning into what it means to really belong. To be known, connected, and committed—not just to Jesus, but to His Church. And as we celebrate Mother’s Day today, it’s a good reminder that the Church is more than a place we go—it’s a family we grow in. Let’s ask God to show us what it looks like to move beyond individualism and live as a part of His people. So, as we look ahead to this week, try this: Reach out to one person in your community this week. Send a text, grab coffee, or offer to pray for them. Take one small step toward connection.