“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
—John 13:35
Back in high school, those of us who played for the Harlem Junior Tennis League would crowd into the Armory—dozens of teenagers, racquets in hand, buzzing with more energy than technique. Our parents almost never came to watch practice. Most days, it was just us, learning through trial and error, getting advice from each other or—if we were lucky—a couple of dedicated coaches who’d make time for the team. Some days, that meant a lot of independence; other times, it could feel a bit lonely, each of us fighting our own battles on and off the court.
But there were moments when something would shift. A coach would cheer you on after a tough loss, or a teammate would crack a joke that lifted everyone’s mood. Gradually, the whole culture of our group started to change—not because a coach gave a motivational speech, but because encouragement caught on and hope became contagious. That’s when playing tennis wasn’t just about winning sets but about belonging somewhere hope could actually take root.
Transformation isn’t meant to be a solo act. Scripture teaches—and life confirms—that change goes deepest and lasts longest when it happens in community. God designed us to practice His love together, multiplying encouragement, sharing burdens, and starting new patterns of grace that rub off on everyone around us.
Science calls it “collective neuroplasticity.” The grooves we form—complaining, criticism, or hope—don’t just shape us individually. They rewire the whole group. That’s why the community you keep, the words you rehearse, the atmosphere you set, really do chart new neural paths for everyone.
The CHEW Process: How Community Gets Rewired
- Confess: Where does your group—whether it’s your team, family, friends, or small group—get stuck? Is there a cycle of sarcasm, silent competition, or hiding your struggles? What’s the pattern you all repeat that keeps hope dim?
- Hear: God’s Word speaks to the group, not just the individual: “Love one another as I have loved you.” Remind each other (out loud, if you need to) that God’s love is deep enough for every mess and fresh enough for every new day.
- Exchange: Take a look at your current group dynamic. What’s one belief, attitude, or well-worn habit you’ve all settled into? Read the CHEW On This™ question below, and consider how your crew could align more closely with God’s way—maybe it’s encouraging each other more, naming and forgiving mistakes, or celebrating the small victories together.
- Walk: Make it practical. Start your next gathering or text thread with a word of affirmation. Try ending each practice or dinner with a prayer of gratitude. Every time you re-center in God’s love—together—you’re forming new spiritual “muscle memory” and changing the default for everyone.
CHEW On This™
If I truly believed God’s love can rewire not just my habits but our whole community, how will I show up and encourage differently in my group this week?
“Father, thank You for the gift of community, even when it’s imperfect. Grow Your love among us, so hope and kindness become our reflex, not just the exception. Use me to build a culture that looks more like You—one honest return at a time. Amen.”
Want more?
Get God’s love from your head to your heart—subscribe to The Daily CHEW™ and experience real change, every day—together.
Make CHEWing part of your group’s rhythm at 1stprinciplegroup.com/chew-on-this/
Who in your circle needs this encouragement? Forward, tag, or share this. Sometimes one open-hearted word shifts the whole room.
Chew on God’s Love. Live Transformed. Multiply Hope.
Was this helpful?
