Finding Warmth and Support in Christian Community - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - October 22, 2026

Audio By Carbonatix

“God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” - 1 Corinthians 12:24-27

My friend interviewed a Gen Z woman and posted the interview on Instagram. He asked her the following question: “What makes you so passionate about anime?”

The camera panned to her full outfit: a white crop top with navy-blue stripes along the collar and a sailor cap. A piece of fabric bearing the same color scheme—her underwear, perhaps?—peeked out of her white pants. Her lips sported, you guessed it, blue lipstick. But her outfit wasn’t what caught my attention. Instead, it was her response: “I have to say the community. It makes you feel so included. They’ll talk to you about anything. Nobody’s left out.”

She strolled around with confidence, looking like she had just stepped out of a cartoon episode, because she had the backing of her community.

Can others cite receiving that kind of support from the local body of Christ we’re a part of?

I’d been a churchgoer all my life. Until I found the church I now attend, however, belonging was just a concept—an ideal that always eluded my reach. One small group in my last church was cliquish, so I picked another. But this one was co-led by a woman who ended up unsubscribing from my newsletter and then ghosting me. Did I do something that offended her? Since she never responded to my inquiry, I don’t have a definite answer.

My current church provides a stark contrast. The week after work, I skipped a Wednesday prayer meeting; two people—plus the pastor—greeted me with a hearty “I’ve missed you!” I arrange my Saturdays around my church’s bimonthly small group meetings. Letting this tribe in on my wins, while also sharing candid prayer requests with them, nourishes my soul.

In today’s passage, the apostle Paul likened the body of Christ to the human body. The analogy holds because both contain many different members. A human body with nothing but fingers—or has a hole in place of a nose—would create a disconcerting image. But let’s switch this analogy back to the church, and we have to concede, it’s common to find churches with the same body parts banding together. After all, it’s human nature to gravitate toward those who are similar to us, whether in terms of theology, personality, ethnicity, marital status, or lack thereof. It’s as though the eyes in the body of Christ sequester themselves to socialize only with fellow eyes, all the while looking down at the lowly hip bones and even lowlier toes.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with journeying through life with individuals we feel comfortable around. The problem is when we shut our hearts to everyone else.

So, let’s delve into this issue in two different ways. First, how welcoming would you be to strangers at church who wear a funky outfit, similar to the woman in the sailor costume? Or maybe the person cusses like one. How would you react then? What if the stranger exuded an offensive odor? Or talked non-stop? Are you open to getting to know people at church who have aborted their pregnancies? Had an affair? What if they served time due to some crime? Or maybe you discovered that they identify as queer, trans, or detransitioner. Would it change the way you relate to them?

If you can recall responding with anything less than kindness to someone at church, let’s shine a soft spotlight into your soul. What kept you from embracing those individuals with God’s love? Listen to the answer within. Ask the Lord to help you uproot the cause of that attitude.

There’s also the flip side. Maybe you’ve been burned at church. It could range from feeling stung by someone’s sharp side-eye to being downright abused. If you’ve suffered through anything ungodly at church, know that God is nearby (Psalm 34:18). Vent to Him first. He’s your advocate. But please also seek further care that won’t sacrifice your faith. Be cautious with non-Christian therapists who suggest disavowing Christianity and/or the church as a remedy.

Let's pray ...

Lord Jesus,
I don’t have a perfect track record in relating to fellow Christians. Please heal any emotional wound others inflicted on me, and forgive me for every time I failed to minister Your love to others. Please also lace all of my interactions with Your love from now on.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.

Feel like digging a little deeper? Here is a wonderful resource to meet you right where you are. 5 Comforting Psalms for When We Worry: A Guided Reflection Journal

Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Elle Hughes

Dr. Audrey Davidheiser (www.aimforbreakthrough.com) is a licensed psychologist in California, certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, and IFSI-approved clinical consultant. After founding a counseling center for the Los Angeles Dream Center, she now provides IFS therapy for trauma survivors, including those with religious trauma, and assists in IFS trainings. She has been a regular writer for Crosswalk.com and columnist for iBelieve.com. Her book on how IFS helps the grieving process, Grieving Wholeheartedly, was published by InterVarsity Press in July 2025. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Substack @DrAudreyD.

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Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!