Do you feel a sense of community in your unit? Our military community, like the church, is made not of brick and mortar, but of shared convictions and fears, a sense of brotherhood, and common circumstances.
“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. And Joseph, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:32-37, NKJV).
We move frequently, adjusting to new schools. Spouses deploy, children get sick, appliances break. We’ve felt alone, been frustrated at long hours, and struggled to make ends meet. Common challenges bond us. We share empathy and compassion. Anonymous donations for groceries, cleaned yards, cooked dinners, childcare; some lend out their garages for storage, others their homes for warmth. No longer strangers, we become family.
Let’s follow the example of the military community and these early Christians, meeting the needs of others. Are you willing to do your part?
The content of this article comes from “The Warrior’s Bible” (2014) and is copyrighted by Life Publishers International. Used with permission.
