Threads Within is GenOn's new resource to help church leaders support families in everyday faith. Free sample at bottom of this post.

A simple family faith practice for learning to love, serve, and belong together

Community is one of the beautiful ways God helps us grow. 

As families, we can begin right where we are: around the dinner table, in the car, before bedtime, while helping a neighbor, or during everyday moments when we notice the people God has placed near us.

When we talk about community with children, we are really talking about belonging. 

We are helping them see that they are part of something bigger than themselves and that their words, choices, prayers, and acts of kindness matter.

Wonder Together

One gentle way to begin is by wondering together. Wondering questions invite children and adults to reflect without needing to have the “right” answer. 

Try asking a few of these questions during a meal, on a walk, or as part of bedtime conversation:

• I wonder what the best part of belonging to a community is.

• I wonder how our family could help others in our community.

• I wonder how God wants us to love our neighbors.

A Faith Practice: “One Another”

In John 13:34, Jesus gives his followers a new commandment: to “love one another.” That phrase can become a simple and memorable practice for families.

The New Testament includes more than 30 “one another” phrases that show us how to love. 

Here are a few:

• Encourage one another — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

• Forgive one another — Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13

• Care for one another — 1 Corinthians 12:25

• Serve one another — Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10

• Do not judge one another — Romans 14:13

• Show kindness to one another — Ephesians 4:32

Try It This Week

As a family choose one phrase from the list above, or add one of your own, to focus on for a week or even the whole month. Write your chosen phrase on sticky notes and place them around your home as gentle reminders. 

You might put one on the bathroom mirror, the refrigerator, a bedroom door, or near the kitchen table.

Then, make space for a quick family check-in at mealtimes or bedtime. 

Ask: Where did we see someone loving one another today? How did we practice our phrase? Who might need our encouragement tomorrow?

Over time, these small conversations can help children recognize that community is not just something we talk about, it is something we practice together.