“There exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful. We are like the passengers of a great liner the moment after rescue from shipwreck when camaraderie, joyousness and democracy pervade the vessel. Unlike the feelings of the ship’s passengers, however, our joy in escape from disaster does not subside as we go our individual ways. The feeling of having shared in a common peril, and a common salvation, are elements in the powerful cement which binds us. The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree.”

This quote isn’t from a church mission statement or bulletin; it’s from the Alcoholics Anonymous handbook. The sharing of common perils and support through our trials become a powerful bonding agent. It’s one reason community matters so much. With whom do you share a common salvation…from sin, addiction, loneliness, or fear?

Here’s how much community matters:  the AA handbook continues: “Our very lives depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.” Solomon agrees: “Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (Eccl. 4:9-10,12)

The need for dependence is often strongest when, as anyone who has failed at anything will tell you, weakness is conceded; when pride no longer becomes an issue and judgment is traded for mercy and compassion. And when we are braced by another’s strength, that shared deliverance becomes a common salvation, not only between you and your Samaritan, but later between you, now as a Good Samaritan yourself, and another who is failing fast. “God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (II Cor. 1.3-4)

This is why we do what we do – because community matters that much.