If you’ve grown up in the church or recently come to the Lord, and have explored the scriptures, you’ll inevitably find things that seem contradictory. You may read something in one place and something else elsewhere, or hear different preachers preaching seemingly opposite messages. These contradictions can be confusing, but they are not necessarily at odds with each other. Some scriptures are so popular they’re printed on coffee mugs or bathroom plaques. For example, in John chapter 10, Jesus states, “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” This powerful scripture highlights Jesus’ mission to give us abundant life. Just a few chapters later in John 16, Jesus tells His disciples, “In this world you will have trouble.” This seems to contradict the promise of abundant life. The question arises: Have you come to give us life to the full, or will we face troubles and tribulations? The answer is both. These are not contradictory but complementary truths. Jesus wants us to understand that we will face hardships in life, but we can still have life to the full. Fullness of life doesn’t mean a lack of hardship; it means facing challenges with Jesus by our side. We are not alone; we can have fullness of life because we walk with Him.
How do we achieve this full life despite hardships? First, we have the Father. Jesus emphasizes this in John 16. Even when the disciples scatter, He reassures, “I am not alone, for the Father is with Me.” He also teaches that we need each other. In John 17, Jesus prays for His disciples and all who will believe through their word. He asks the Father to make us one as He and the Father are one. This unity is not about perfect theological alignment but about relational connection. Jesus desires us to be a family, united in such a way that it impacts the world. This unity among believers is the church’s prophetic purpose. Jesus is all we need, yet He designed us to need each other. We are interconnected, and this interdependence is part of God’s design. From the beginning, as seen in Genesis, God said it was not good for man to be alone, highlighting the importance of relationship. Sin has separated us from God and from each other.
After the fall, Adam and Eve experienced discord, which extends to all humanity. Yet, as image bearers of God, we are designed to need each other for fullness of life. We often prize independence and despise neediness, self-protecting by building walls to avoid hurt. However, true fullness of life involves vulnerability and connection. Pretending to be okay when we’re not robs us of genuine living. Life requires more than basic needs like food, water, and shelter. Thriving involves deep, meaningful relationships. The absence or pain of broken relationships creates the deepest wounds, emphasizing our need for connection. Scripture speaks to our core needs. We need to belong, as Romans 12 states, “So in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” We are designed to have a tribe, a family that goes beyond just our blood relatives. We also need to matter. Ephesians 1 and 2 remind us that we were chosen by God and created for good works. Our significance isn’t in our achievements but in touching others’ lives. Like Mr. Holland in “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” our true impact lies in how we affect those around us. We all need a safe place to go when we fail or fall short. Proverbs 17:17 emphasizes the importance of steadfast friends, and Galatians 6 calls us to bear one another’s burdens. Churches should be safe havens where we can confess our struggles without fear of rejection.
Finally, we need guidance. Just as characters like Yoda provide wisdom in movies, we need mentors in real life to help us navigate various challenges. Our need for guidance is part of God’s design for community. Being aware of our needs isn’t always fun, but it’s inescapable. We need God and we need each other. Finding a group of people to be real with and share life is essential. Isolation only hinders our ability to fully live as God intended. Let’s commit to giving our hearts to God and seeking out our tribe. Whether in marriage, parenting, or any aspect of life, we need the support and encouragement of a community. Life to the full happens in unity with God and others. As we go on this journey, let’s ask God to bring us friendships and communities where we can be vulnerable and supported. Let’s break free from isolation and live fully in the life God has for us, trusting Him to protect and guide us as we connect deeply with others. Our team’s going to come up, and we’re going to finish this morning in worship. As we do, let’s reflect on where we need God and each other. Let’s be honest about our struggles and ask God to bring the right people into our lives for support and connection.
