ICYMI: We're Better Together

ICYMI – We’re Better Together

In Case You Missed It. In the Bible, the table has always been a place of presence — where God is present with his people and his people are present with one another

In Case You Missed It: We’re Better Together | Peter & Dominique Molver | 01 June 2025

Catch up: YouTube | iTunes | Spotify

God is calling us to the table!

The Table in ScriptureThe table represents presence — God with His people, and people with one another.

• Pre-creation – The Father, Son, and Spirit in unity

• Genesis 2:18 – Not good for man to be alone

• Genesis 12 – God's promise to Abraham

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – Two are better than one

• Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron

• John 13:34 – Love one another

• Matthew 22:36-40 – Love God, Love People

Communitas

A group of disciples formed around Jesus, radically committed to Him, each other, and advancing God's kingdom (Alan Hirsch).

The table reminds us of God's presence, community, love, and formation. But not all communities are healthy — so what defines a healthy one?

Neuroscience Meets Scripture

Modern science affirms what Scripture has taught: we’re designed for relationships. Transformation flourishes in a relational ecosystem built on:

1. Joy: The Relational Fuel

Joy is the emotion felt when someone is glad to be with us — signalling safety and belonging.

• Fuelled through eye contact, gratitude, and shared moments

• Builds identity, emotional resilience, and healing through neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin

• Joy sustains us in suffering

• Numbers 6:24-26 – God’s blessing and presence bring peace

2. Hesed: The Relational Glue

Hesed means loving-kindness — a loyal, enduring, covenantal love.

• Mirrors God’s steadfast love

• Creates deep relational bonds and safety

• Attachment is the brain’s most powerful organizing system

• High-Hesed communities foster healing and belonging

• Exodus 34:6-7 – God is abounding in steadfast love

3. Group Identity: The Relational Compass

Shapes community behaviour through shared identity — “What kind of people are we?”

• Stored in the right brain and formed through lived experience

• Change is more lasting when driven by community identity than willpower

• Group identity rewires the brain for Christlike character through imitation, not pressure

• Healthy identity is caught, not taught

• Sermon on the Mount – Jesus describes what His people are like

 Jesus at the Table

Jesus dined with outcasts, enemies, and broken people — including at the Last Supper.

• That table was full of betrayal, pride, and failure

• Jesus didn’t walk away — He stayed, loved, and built them up

• His example shows Hesed love — faithful, forgiving, enduring

What About Your Table?

Reflect on your own communities — are they messy, healing, or both?

• Ephesians 2:6 – You are seated with Christ; you belong at His table

• You're good enough for His community and for others

A Vision for Community

May our churches be filled with Joy, Hesed Love, and a Group Identity that reflects Jesus.

A people who are patient, kind, forgiving, humble, truth-loving, trusting, persevering, and grace-filled.

An Invitation

Will you be brave again? Let down your guard, embrace vulnerability, and open up to real community?

Let’s become a Communitas — radically committed to Jesus, to one another, and to advancing God’s Kingdom.

---

 Discussion Questions for Life Groups:

·       What does it mean for you personally that Jesus chose to stay at the table with imperfect people—even in the face of betrayal, pride, and brokenness?

·       Which of the three essential elements of healthy community—Joy, Hesed love, or Group Identity—do you most long to experience or grow in right now? Why?

·       In what ways have past experiences of community (healthy or broken) shaped how you approach relationships and belonging today?

·       What would it look like for our group to become a “communitas”—radically committed to Jesus, to one another, and to God’s mission in the world?