Blog | Why Life Groups Are Important

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Jesus’ work always involves people.

Of course, there were things that he did alone with the Father … but these things were always to prepare for being with and helping people orient themselves with others in a way that would build a strong and healthy community in order make a difference in the kingdom of God here on earth.

When studying the very beginning of the “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew 5, we read that Jesus is reaching out to all people, and calling them to be a part of his kingdom. As we gather in Life Groups outside of the Shepherd Church buildings, we can study and practice Jesus’ words in this sermon that teach directly about community and relationships as they direct us to care, support, and encourage one another.

Jesus’ instructions and guidance is in creating proper perspective to other people. He teaches to be the salt that brings God’s flavoring to the people of the world, and then to be light for all human beings to see his love through our gracious living. He tells his followers to not just stop with the action of committing murder or adultery, but to view others in a way that you don’t hate or lust, which brings about murder and adultery in your heart.

He talks about genuine integrity, loving difficult people, and taking matters into your own hands. All of which involve others and our perspective of them.

How do we view other people? Do we view them as a nuisance to be overcome … or as a child of God that is being called into his kingdom?

Jesus is instructing his followers toward this kind of community because he wants to use my life and your life as an example of his kingdom!

Jesus then talks about things that keep us from being that example by how we often try to show off for people; pretending in front of them as we try to look more spiritual than we are. And he uses giving, prayer, and fasting as examples. He teaches that forgiveness is one of the most vital, crucial practices to our life for us to experience joy and peace, and to flourish as human beings.

He kind of rounds out these concepts with what we have named, “The Golden Rule” when he says, “in everything do to others as you would have them do to you.” In other words, I need to ask myself what I would want people to do for me, then take the initiative to do it for them. Sometimes that’s encouraging people … sometimes that’s leaving them alone … sometimes that is being a listening ear … but it’s always loving them.

I cannot take short cuts to live this life that God has called me to live. The gate and road are narrow and often times difficult. But, do I want to be a tree that bears good fruit … or the kind of tree that people want to tear up from the ground and burn.
And if I’m not doing what Jesus has instructed, I’m just foolish. My house (my life) and all that I have built will be washed away. But if I lay a foundation for my life with actions that follow Jesus’ teachings, he will help me to stand firm amidst all the storms of life.

So, when I read the Beatitudes as an invitation for all to enter into God’s kingdom, my goal is to orient my perspective of people with God’s perspective of people. I need to live my life where I am helping to usher people into God’s kingdom, not being a barrier for them.

All of this is done as we interact with one another in the relationships that we build in Life Groups during the week. We are constantly viewing one another through a certain lens. Jesus is guiding us to view people through his lens … through a biblical lens … a Spirit-filled lens of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Truly, deep inside … all people long to be a part of a community ... to have relationships that foster each of those Spiritual fruits … to be cared for, encouraged, and loved. Life Groups are places that bring these relationships to life and join in bringing God’s will to this earth as it is in heaven.

As a Life Group Leader, how are you making that invitation to enter God’s kingdom right in your living room? What are somethings that the people in your group need to ponder and meditate on as they view other people, regardless of their political affiliation or lifestyle?

How would Jesus view these same people … with disdain or loving grace? What steps, however small they be at first, need to happen to allow the Holy Spirit to reorient your perspective to his perspective? Be caring, encouraging and loving to one another as you make these steps together!

Words | Brian Marson - Fellow Life Group Leader