50 Bible Verses About Community

Introduction to 50 Bible Verses About Community

In the sacred scriptures of Christianity, the concept of community emerges as a vital theme, both implicitly and explicitly. Throughout the Bible, we find a multitude of verses underscoring the principles of living in community. The profound wisdom found in these Bible verses about community calls us to love, serve, unite, encourage, and bear responsibility for one another, all cornerstones of our collective faith experience. 

The cornerstone of these tenets is love. As expressed in John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us to “love one another as I have loved you.” This divine decree to love one another as Christ loved us is not only a call to emulate His love, but a litmus test of our discipleship: By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Romans 13:8 reiterates this, stating, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.” These verses encapsulate the essence of community in the Christian faith – a community bound by love, mirroring the love God bestows upon us. 

Service is another fundamental aspect within these Bible verses about community. We are taught that our freedom in Christ should inspire us to “serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). Serving others within our community is an expression of our faith, love, and commitment to following Christ, who Himself came not to be served, but to serve. 

Unity is another essential attribute of Christian community. Bible verses like Ephesians 4:3 urge believers to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Unity in community mirrors the oneness of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It also underscores the idea that despite our individual differences, we form one body in Christ, a message resoundingly clear in Romans 12:5: So in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” 

Furthermore, these Bible verses about community emphasize the importance of encouragement. Encouragement uplifts and inspires individuals within a community to persevere in their faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 beautifully captures this: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” 

Lastly, the Bible calls us to take responsibility within our community. This is a call to meet the needs of others, to bear one another’s burdens, and to serve selflessly. Verses such as Romans 12:5 underline our interconnectedness and mutual responsibility: So in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” 

Collectively, these 50 Bible verses about community offer a vibrant roadmap for Christian community living. They invite us to love deeply, serve selflessly, foster unity, encourage continually, and bear each other’s burdens – embodying the teachings and life of Jesus Christ.

Loving One Another

In the Bible, the commandment to love one another stands as a cornerstone of Christian teachings. This love, as depicted in verses such as John 13:34-35 and 1 John 4:7, transcends mere affection; it’s an active, selfless, and sacrificial love that reflects the nature of Christ’s love for us. This kind of love fosters deep connections within the community, encouraging believers to support, forgive, and care for each other. By loving one another, we demonstrate our true identity as Christ’s disciples and embody the heart of the Gospel. These Bible verses about community lovingly guide us in forming relationships marked by divine love, compassion, and mutual respect, mirroring the love that Christ has for each of us.

John 13:34-35

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. NIV

In Other Words: I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here’s how the world will know that you are my disciples: Your love for each other will be evident 

One-Line Summary: Jesus instructs us to love others as He has loved us, which will be a testimony to our discipleship. 

Romans 13:8

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 

In Other Words: Don’t be in debt to anyone, the only thing you owe is love. When you love, you’ve fulfilled what the law requires. 

One-Line Summary:  Love is the only perpetual obligation we have, and it fulfills God’s law.

1 John 4:7

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 

In Other Words: My friends, we should love each other because love originates from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and recognizes God. 

One-Line Summary: Loving one another is a reflection of God’s love and a sign of knowing Him. 

Romans 12:10

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 

In Other Words: Show each other deep affection and take delight in honoring each other more than yourself. 

One-Line Summary: We should show genuine affection and honor towards one another. 

1 Peter 1:22

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 

In Other Words: Having purified your souls by obeying the truth, let your love for one another be sincere, deep, and from the heart.

One-Line Summary: A purified heart leads to a sincere and deep love for others. 

1 Peter 3:8

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 

In Other Words: Finally, all of you should be like-minded, sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 

One-Line Summary: Be like-minded, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. 

1 John 4:11-12

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 

In Other Words: My dear friends, since God has loved us so much, we should also love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God’s love is made complete in us. 

One-Line Summary: Loving one another completes the cycle of God’s love. 

Ephesians 4:2

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 

In Other Words: With all humility and gentleness, with patience, support one another in love. 

One-Line Summary: Live with humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance for one another. 

1 Peter 4:8

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 

In Other Words: Most importantly, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 

One-Line Summary: Love deeply to cover over many sins. 

Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

In Other Words: Be tolerant with each other and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you.

One-Line Summary: Bear with and forgive each other as the Lord forgave you. 

Serving Each Other

The biblical principle of serving each other, as highlighted in verses like Galatians 5:13 and Matthew 20:26-27, is not just a call to action, but a transformative way of living that redefines greatness in the eyes of God. Serving in the Bible isn’t limited to grand gestures; it’s often found in the humble, everyday acts of kindness, support, and understanding. This service is a tangible expression of love and humility, demonstrating a willingness to put others’ needs before our own. These Bible verses about community service challenge us to adopt a servant’s heart, where the greatest among us is the one who serves others with joy and generosity. 

Galatians 5:13

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. NIV

In Other Words: You’ve been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to indulge your selfish nature; instead, serve one another through love. 

One-Line Summary: Freedom in Christ is an opportunity to serve one another in love. 

Philippians 2:3-4

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 

In Other Words: Don’t act out of selfish ambition or vanity, instead, value others above yourselves, prioritizing their interests over yours. 

One-Line Summary: Act selflessly, valuing others above yourself. 

1 Peter 4:10

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 

In Other Words: Use the gifts you have received to serve others, effectively managing God’s grace in its various forms. 

One-Line Summary: Use your gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace. 

Matthew 23:11

The greatest among you will be your servant. 

In Other Words: Whoever wants to be great among you will serve the others. 

One-Line Summary: True greatness comes from serving others. 

Mark 10:45

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. 

In Other Words: For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. 

One-Line Summary: Jesus came to serve and sacrifice, setting an example for us. 

John 12:26

Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 

In Other Words: If anyone serves me, they must follow me; where I am, there my servant will also be. The Father will honor the one who serves me. 

One-Line Summary: Following Jesus means serving Him and being honored by the Father. 

Matthew 20:26-27

But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 

In Other Words: It will not be so among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave. 

One-Line Summary: Greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by willingness to serve. 

Acts 20:35

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ 

In Other Words: In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ 

One-Line Summary: Giving is more blessed than receiving. 

1 Corinthians 10:24

No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 

In Other Words: Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 

One-Line Summary: Seek the good of others, not just your own. 

Romans 15:2

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 

In Other Words: Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 

One-Line Summary: We should aim to build up our neighbors for their good. 

Unity in Community

Unity is a recurring theme in Scripture, and it is especially evident in verses that discuss community. Ephesians 4:3 and 1 Corinthians 1:10, among others, emphasize the importance of believers living in harmony and peace. This unity is not about uniformity or the suppression of individuality; rather, it’s about embracing diversity within the body of Christ and working together towards common goals. These Bible verses about community unity remind us that each person brings unique gifts and perspectives that, when united, strengthen the entire community. In a world often divided, these teachings call us to a higher standard of fellowship and cooperation, reflecting the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:3

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 

In Other Words: Make a determined effort to maintain the unity given by the Spirit, through the peace that binds you together.  

One-Line Summary: We should work diligently to maintain unity in the Spirit. 

Romans 15:5-6

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

In Other Words: May the God of endurance and encouragement give you the same mindset towards each other that Jesus had, so that with one accord you may glorify God. 

One-Line Summary: Unity in mind and voice glorifies God. 

Colossians 3:14

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 

In Other Words: Above everything, clothe yourselves with love, which is the perfect tie to bind you together. 

One-Line Summary: Love binds all virtues together in perfect unity. 

Psalm 133:1

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! 

In Other Words: Look, how wonderful it is when brothers live in unity! 

One-Line Summary: Living together in unity is both good and pleasant. 

John 17:23

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 

In Other Words: I am in them and you are in me. May they be brought to complete unity so that the world will know that you sent me and have loved them just as you have loved me. 

One-Line Summary: Our unity reveals Christ’s mission and the Father’s love. 

Ephesians 4:11-13

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

In Other Words: And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. 

One-Line Summary: Spiritual leaders are given to build up the body of Christ in unity. 

1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 

In Other Words: I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 

One-Line Summary: Christians are called to be in agreement and free from division. 

Romans 12:16

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 

In Other Words: Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 

One-Line Summary: Live in harmony, don’t be proud, and be willing to associate with everyone. 

1 Corinthians 12:12

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

In Other Words: For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 

One-Line Summary: The church is one body with many parts. 

Ephesians 4:16

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 

In Other Words: From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 

One-Line Summary: The church grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work. 

Encouraging Each Other

Encouragement is a vital aspect of community life, as seen in verses like Hebrews 10:24-25 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11. It involves uplifting and motivating one another, particularly in times of doubt, fear, or hardship. This encouragement is more than mere words; it’s an embodiment of hope, strength, and compassion. Through these Bible verses about community encouragement, we learn that our words and actions have the power to inspire resilience and courage in others. By fostering a culture of encouragement within our communities, we not only help each other persevere through challenges but also grow together in faith and love. 

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

In Other Words: Consider how you might motivate one another to love and perform good deeds. Don’t stop gathering together, but encourage each other, especially as you see the Day drawing near. 

One-Line Summary: Encourage one another towards love and good deeds, especially as Christ’s return approaches. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 

In Other Words: So continue to encourage and build each other up, just as you’re already doing. 

One-Line Summary: We have a duty to encourage and build each other up. 

Romans 1:12

That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 

In Other Words: That is, so that we can mutually be encouraged by each other’s faith. 

One-Line Summary: Mutual encouragement strengthens both parties’ faith. 

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. 

In Other Words: Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another. 

One-Line Summary: We sharpen each other’s character and faith through interaction. 

Ephesians 4:29

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 

In Other Words: Speak only what is beneficial for building up others according to their needs, to benefit those who listen. 

One-Line Summary: Speak to build others up, not tear them down. 

Proverbs 15:4

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. 

In Other Words: The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. 

One-Line Summary: Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. 

2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 

In Other Words: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 

One-Line Summary: Be diligent to present yourself approved by God, rightly handling His word. 

Ephesians 4:29

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 

In Other Words: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 

One-Line Summary: Speak only what is helpful for building others up. 

Colossians 4:5-6

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. 

In Other Words: Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. 

One-Line Summary: Speak wisely and graciously to outsiders.

Proverbs 12:25

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. 

In Other Words: Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. 

One-Line Summary: A kind word can lift the burden of anxiety. 

Responsibility in Community

The Bible teaches that living in a community comes with responsibilities, as seen in verses like Romans 12:5 and James 5:16. This responsibility means more than just coexisting; it involves actively participating in the well-being and growth of each other. Whether it’s through sharing resources, providing emotional support, or offering guidance, our actions can significantly impact the lives of our community members. These Bible verses about community responsibility call us to be mindful of our actions, to bear one another’s burdens, and to foster a sense of belonging and care. In doing so, we emulate the teachings of Christ, building a community that is supportive, nurturing, and reflective of God’s love.

Romans 12:5

So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 

In Other Words: In Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 

One-Line Summary: We are individually members of one body in Christ. 

1 Corinthians 12:25-26

There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 

In Other Words: There should be no division in the body. Instead, all parts should care equally for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 

One-Line Summary: Every member of the body should care equally for one another. 

Galatians 6:2

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 

In Other Words: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you fulfill the law of Christ. 

One-Line Summary: Bearing each other’s burdens fulfills Christ’s law. 

James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 

In Other Words: So confess your sins to each other and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A righteous person’s prayer is powerful and effective. 

One-Line Summary: Confessing to and praying for one another brings healing. 

1 John 3:17

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 

In Other Words: If anyone has worldly possessions and sees their brother or sister in need but doesn’t show compassion—how can God’s love reside in such a person? 

One-Line Summary: Indifference to others’ needs questions the presence of God’s love in us. 

Luke 6:31

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

In Other Words: Treat others the same way you would want them to treat you. 

One-Line Summary: Treat others as you wish to be treated. 

Matthew 25:40

nd the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

In Other Words: The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. 

One-Line Summary: Serving the least among us is serving Christ Himself. 

Proverbs 31:8-9

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. 

In Other Words: Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. 

One-Line Summary: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. 

1 John 3:18

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

In Other Words: Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 

One-Line Summary: Love should be shown through actions, not just words. 

James 2:15-16

Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 

In Other Words: If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 

One-Line Summary: Faith without works, like words without action, is dead. 

Conclusion

Throughout the sacred texts of the Bible, we repeatedly find calls to engage with one another in One-Line Summaryful, compassionate, and God-honoring ways. These 50 Bible verses about community offer guidance on how to cultivate relationships within our communities that echo the love, humility, unity, encouragement, and responsibility that Jesus Himself demonstrated. 

As we reflect on these principles, let’s consider the exhortation in Colossians 3:13: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This verse points to the value of tolerance and forgiveness, two vital ingredients in building a strong, loving community. 

We also find in Acts 20:35 the call to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’ an ethos that challenges us to be of service to each other in our communities, giving of ourselves and our resources to meet the needs of others. 

Further, in a time when divisions can often seem more apparent than what unites us, we can look to 1 Corinthians 1:10 for inspiration: I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” This verse is a poignant reminder of the harmony and unity that should characterize Christian communities. 

The Bible verses about community found in scripture are not just lofty ideals but practical principles that we can and should incorporate into our daily lives. They instruct us, challenge us, and inspire us towards greater love and unity. 

As we conclude this exploration of Bible verses about community, let’s heed the wisdom of Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Let us strive to form and foster communities where we help each other grow, inspire each other to be better, and together reflect the love and grace of God in our world. 

6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Community Bible Verses

A Prayer Inspired by Community Bible Verses

In the spirit of the teachings we find in the Scriptures, let us come together in prayer. This prayer is inspired by the wisdom of the Bible verses about community, reflecting on love, service, unity, encouragement, and responsibility. These verses guide us in our relationships with one another, reminding us of how we are called to live in harmony, support each other, and embody the love of Christ in our daily interactions. Let us pray together, seeking to bring these teachings into our lives and communities.

Our Prayer Inspired by Our Selection of Bible Verses About Community

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts open and minds ready to receive Your wisdom. Your Word, filled with teachings on community, guides us to live in love and harmony with one another. We thank You for the commandment in John 13:34-35, to love one another as You have loved us – a love so deep, sacrificial, and unconditional.

Lord, we seek to embody this love in our daily interactions. Teach us to serve one another humbly, as You have taught us in Galatians 5:13 and Matthew 20:26-27. May we find joy and purpose in helping others, putting their needs before our own, and in doing so, serve You.

We pray for unity in our community, as expressed in Ephesians 4:3 and 1 Corinthians 12:25-26. In a world of division, let us be a beacon of unity and peace, respecting our differences, and working together for the common good. Help us to value each member of our community, understanding that we are one body in Christ, each with unique gifts and roles.

Grant us, O Lord, hearts that are eager to encourage and uplift one another. May the words of Hebrews 10:24-25 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11 guide us to inspire and support one another in love, good deeds, and steadfast faith, especially in times of hardship and uncertainty.

We also ask for the strength and compassion to bear one another’s burdens, as instructed in Galatians 6:2 and James 5:16. May we be a community where confession, forgiveness, and healing are actively practiced, reflecting Your grace and mercy.

In our interactions, let us always remember the Golden Rule as taught in Luke 6:31, treating others as we would like to be treated, with kindness, fairness, and empathy. May this principle guide our actions and thoughts, creating a community that mirrors Your love.

We thank You, Lord, for Your unending guidance and love. Help us to live out these teachings in our community, that we may be a reflection of Your light in this world.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,

Amen.