Community
Why Do Humans Need Community?
“As an introvert, this topic can feel especially weighty for me, one I’ve been tempted to avoid or sweep under the rug.”
But it’s not just an introvert thing. Even extroverts can fall into the trap of either glossing over the importance of community or undervaluing it. How important is it, really? Does it matter if we find a sense of belonging? For a long time, I carried the label of “introvert,” and I thought that meant community wasn’t a priority for me. But through years of study and reflection, especially through Bible studies, I’ve come to realize something: while I may need a bit more downtime and fewer interactions, community is still essential. I still need connection. I still need to be seen. Community isn’t just nice to have; it’s necessary for my well-being.
“The truth is, no matter where we fall on the introvert-extrovert spectrum, community plays a crucial role in our mental and physical health.”
How we engage with it might differ, some of us might prefer smaller circles, while others thrive in larger groups, but we all need it. A Canadian study that was part of a national health survey backs this up. The study showed that people who reported a weaker sense of community belonging were more likely to report poorer overall and mental health. Those who felt disconnected were much more likely to rate their health negatively.
This study reinforces what we’ve seen in psychological and health research: the need for community is central to our well-being. Theorists like Maslow and Bowlby have long argued that belonging is a fundamental human need, second only to our basic physiological and safety needs. In fact, the concept of “social capital”, the idea that strong social ties lead to better health continues to gain traction. Research shows that things like neighborhood cohesion and a strong sense of community can actually reduce the risks of major health issues, like stroke and cardiovascular events.
When we feel connected to our communities, we engage more meaningfully, we problem-solve better, and we combat feelings of isolation. In short, our sense of belonging is not just a luxury, it’s a crucial ingredient for a healthier life. We need people when we’re hurting, and we need people to help us grow. Have you ever been stuck on something, a tough thought or problem all day, but once you start talking it out with someone, the solution becomes clearer or you realize it wasn’t as big of a problem as you thought? Just the act of sharing something with another person can bring clarity. This, in itself, is a powerful indicator of our need for community because the act of talking require another person. So, whether you’re an introvert who loves a quiet evening or an extrovert who thrives in larger crowds, the need for community remains vital. It’s not about the number of interactions, but the quality of the connections we have. We need it, and it’s worth prioritizing.
“The need for companionship is introduced all the way back in Genesis. It’s right there from the very beginning”
So, is there something to this well-researched wisdom about community? In many instances of powerful, evidence-based insights, I find that the Bible has already spoken to these truths long before they were fully understood by science. God has created an order to the world, and He reveals Himself through it. When I filter this worldly wisdom through the lens of Scripture and ask, "What does the Bible say?" I see that it speaks profoundly about community.
The need for companionship is introduced all the way back in Genesis. It’s right there from the very beginning:
Genesis 2:18 — “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’”
This isn’t just a simple observation. It’s a declaration that we, as humans, are made for connection and companionship.
But the Bible takes this concept even further than just the basic need for community—it always goes deeper. Yes, we need community, but we also have unique roles to play in the larger body. In Romans, we see a beautiful picture of this truth:
Romans 12:4-5 — “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
What I love about this scripture in the Bible is the depth it adds to the idea of community. Not only do we need each other, but we also bring our own unique gifts and abilities to the table. Each person is different, but that diversity is part of the beauty of the body of Christ. Sometimes we might shy away from community because of our differences, but isn’t that precisely the point? It’s in the diversity that we find strength, growth, and healing.
“What I love about the principle of community is that the very act of being in community isn’t just for our benefit; it’s for the benefit of the whole.”
This shift in perspective helps move us beyond selfishness and shows us how we contribute to something bigger than ourselves. But in return, we receive the gifts that come with it—health, joy, peace, comfort, love, and acceptance. I think, like anything in the beginning, finding community can be hard and even a little rough. But overtime with some trial and error, finding one, no matter its size or imperfections, can have a significant impact on our health
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Citation
Canadian Community Health Survey. (2009-2014). Data from Canada's national health surveys. Statistics Canada.
The Bible. (2016). English Standard Version (ESV). Crossway.
(Original work published 2001)
