All the believers were together and had everything in common. (Acts 2:44 NIV) 

A recent conversation with some friends inspired the writing of this devotional. They had visited a church family and tried to get connected by joining a Sunday school class, hoping to build relationships within the body. However, after attending several small group meetings, they still didn’t feel a sense of connection and ultimately decided to seek fellowship elsewhere. 

Their experience left me disappointed and made me reflect: What does it really mean to be connected within a church family? How do we define connectedness within the body of Christ? Scripture offers insight into how the early believers stayed connected after Jesus’ resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:42-47). These verses reveal a beautiful picture of unity, love, support, and deep fellowship among believers – regardless of background, status, or ethnicity. Jew or Gentile, slave or free – they were all one in Christ Jesus. 

As I study scripture more, I see how Jesus consistently initiated connection. He reached out with compassion, healing and inclusion, often breaking through cultural, social, and religious boundaries. Consider the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26), or Zacchaeus, whom Jesus called down from a tree and invited Himself into his home (Luke 19: 5-6). In each case, Jesus modeled how to extend grace and welcome the outcast. 

If we are truly ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), we are called to do the same. While we live in a culture marked by individualism, busyness, and distraction, we are called to live contrary to the norms and culture of the world (John 15:19). Our lives should reflect kingdom values, and relationships are central to those values. When guests enter a small group or a church gathering, we should be intentional in creating an atmosphere of warmth, welcome, and belonging. The body of Christ thrives when every member is known, valued, and loved. 

Let me encourage you: reach out to someone new this week. Engage genuinely. Step beyond your usual circle. Whether someone is strong in faith or just exploring, from your culture or not – extend the same love and hospitality that Christ extended to you. In doing so, we fulfill the Great Commission – not only outside the church but also within the family of believers. 

By George Donkor 

George and his wife, Christiana, are proud parents of Annajoy and Elijah. They love serving Jesus together and showing Him to the world around them.