I am a sinner. I do not try to sin, but I do it everyday.

There have been times in my life when I could have cared less about the things that I was doing that were bad for me and those around me. I’ve realized that I want to live a life that is pleasing to God – and that he cares about me doing the right things – because he has done wonderful things for me and my family. I’ve found that being involved with a group of people that have similar feelings is a great way to grow and keep myself accountable.

For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:18-21‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

From Brian Tome

They have different names. Life Group. Small Group. Women’s Group. Men’s Group. Accountability Group. Married Group. Singles. Business Owners Best Practices Group – with faith. Divorce Support. Bible Study. Funny thing about these groups is they often start, maybe always, out of a church. A church full of sinners. Even funnier is they are full of people with selfish desires, addictions, broken relationships, financial failures, depression, bitterness and rage. Sinners. Every last one of them. The difference is most of the people in the group know they are imperfect. That is why they come. It’s a safe, confidential place where they can meet and admit to their imperfections. It’s a place to learn more about themselves and grow closer to God – with others around for support and encouragement.

…not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:25‬ ‭NRSV

You may meet in a coffee shop, at the church or out in the middle of a park, or at the time of this writing via a Zoom call. You may read the Bible or a book or just show up to talk about life and what you are struggling with or celebrating in your life. I’ve belonged to groups with men that remind me of the Apostle Paul, and just about every one of the 12 disciples. While all these men were great in their own way, they also were human just like me and my friends. Humans are not perfect and they sin. When you are close to God and have a group of people around you who care about you and want to grow with you, it’s easier to see your imperfections and admit to them. It’s also good to know that no one is perfect and if you ask God to remove sin from your life, he will forgive you for those things you do, those things that you do not want to do, but you do anyway. God and a group of encouraging friends will also shine a light on the things that you do that are awesome – because we all do truly wonderful things. God and true friends in Christ are not here to condemn you but to encourage you.

“It’s a place to learn more about themselves and grow closer to God – with others around for support and encouragement.”

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I have been inspired by the small groups I have been involved with to be a better Christ Follower, Husband, Father and Friend. I still make mistakes. I still have forgiveness from God if I own up to my mistakes. I have a group of guys I could call upon anytime if I need help, encouragement, and/or wise council – I’ve called for help many times before. I hope that if you are not currently in a small group you check out what your church has to offer. If you do not have a church, ask a friend you know who does, I’m sure they would be glad to help.