Our primary calling as believers is to be conformed into the image of His Son, Yeshua. To truly allow this transformation to happen is to be honest with God and others, allowing God to change us through His body of believers. 

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Rom. 8:29

One of the ways God works in our lives is through people. The community of committed believers helps us discover who we truly are, enabling us to grow and change. How many times have we encountered people who push our buttons, annoy us, or say things that almost cause us to explode?

I believe that we all walk through this world with sensitive nerves. These are the areas where we still need healing. But how can we truly understand these nerves and be healed without the people who touch them? It is only through the body of believers, growing together in a mature community, walking alongside other believers who believe in us and whom we believe in, that we can grow and experience healing. We can allow others to carry our burdens with us. As we walk in the light, we are able to receive healing for our deep wounds.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

I grew up on a kibbutz, a small community where people were constantly against each other. Everyone wanted to outdo the other, stepping on each other to be seen and heard. We had no God. That’s the environment I grew up in. However, when I came to the Lord, when I found Yeshua and the body of believers, I discovered a different kind of community. Finally, I found a place where I could rest. People accepted me for who I am and didn’t try to put me down or outshine me. They genuinely loved and cared for me, wanting what was best for me.  And as they did, I started desiring the best for them too. They are committed to me, and I am to them. In this community, my true self could shine. I no longer needed to wear a mask or compare myself to others. I allowed the Lord to use this community, my spiritual family, and body of believers to heal my heart. I could finally be free to be my authentic self. 

As a teenager, I spent years trying to be different from everyone else. If everyone went right, I went left. If everyone wore black, I wore red or white. I wanted to be seen and heard, though in the wrong ways. However, through finding a spiritual family and community where I could truly be myself, I realized that I could be unique and special without pushing the boundaries of others or seeking attention. I knew I was heard, seen, loved, and belonged. Our greatest desire as humans is to belong, and this sense of belonging comes from the people around us. When we have a community that is committed to the growth of one another, committed to love, care and see each other through, we have a safe place for healing. 

So, how can we practically live this out? Here are three steps:

1. Find one or two people with whom you feel safe and can open your heart. Make sure they can also open their hearts to you.

2. Choose to love and trust the other person, even when it’s difficult. Many lies may try to convince you that they don’t like you or that they will judge you. But remember, you can trust in the assurance of the hope of glory within your brother and sister. As a believer, you trust that Yeshua will speak to them and through them, just as He speaks to you and through you.

3. When you’re going through something and carrying a burden (we all carry burdens), don’t hide. Don’t listen to the lies that no one will understand you or desire the best for you. Choose to trust and bring your struggles into the light. This way, God can heal you, using your fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord to bring healing, maturity, and hope into your life.

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 13:3 

I pray that you choose life today and become aware of the areas that are challenging for you. That you will bravely let God in through people, and transform more and more into the image of His Son. May you recognize that the people around you may touch and push these buttons because God wants to heal you. He wants to use them for your good and His glory. Choose to walk in a community. This is your decision—you can make it. Choose to be open with others, and if you’re hiding something, don’t hesitate to find someone you can truly trust and share openly with them. Trust that Yeshua, the God within them, will use them to bring healing to your heart. Also, seek to be a tool for healing in someone else’s life.