Introduction:
I am overjoyed that we get to gather once again and talk about community. It’s been several weeks since we’ve been together in one space, and truthfully, it hasn’t been easy. Building community comes with real challenges. But here we are—ready to lean into this important calling.
Community is defined as:
“A deep spiritual connection and fellowship shared among believers united in their faith in Jesus Christ.”
For community to thrive, we must be on one accord. We don’t have to agree on everything or think the same way, but we do have to pursue the same mission and the same goal.
So, what is that mission? Simply put:
“To be the Outbreak that changes the world.”
To be so contagious in our faith and love that others can’t help but be drawn in—encountering God for themselves.
Over the next several weeks, we’ll be unpacking this theme of community. But today, I want to focus on the first three words of Psalm 133:1:
“Behold, How Good!”
Point 1: Stop and Notice This Truth!
The psalmist begins with the word “Behold.” In Hebrew, Hinneh means to stop, pay attention, and take notice. It’s a word of emphasis—a divine highlighter.
David, the writer, is essentially shouting, “Don’t miss this!” He urges us to pause, to break away from distractions, and give full attention to the beauty of community.
And today, like David, I’m urging you: Don’t miss this! Disconnect from the things that divide, and lean into the message and blessing of community.
Point 2: Focus!
When David says “Behold” in Psalm 133:1, it’s not casual—it’s intentional. He wants us to see a powerful truth:
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.”
This is more than just being in the same room. It’s about living in harmony, walking in fellowship, and sharing life together.
Unity is both:
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Good → Right and beneficial in God’s eyes.
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Pleasant → Joyful, refreshing, and life-giving for us.
The truth is, many things in this world try to divide us. But when God’s people choose unity, powerful things happen: His presence dwells, blessings flow, encouragement is shared, healing is released, and growth multiplies.
So today, let’s declare: Division will not have the final word. We will embrace the blessing of community.
That’s what it means to behold—to see with clarity, to pay attention, and then to respond. Psalm 133:1 isn’t just a statement—it’s an invitation. An invitation to lean forward and live out the beauty of community.
Point 3: Marvel at the Good
It is a good thing when we come together. Community reminds us:
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We are not alone.
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We have people to walk with us through life.
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We have support when it gets tough.
Youth Outbreak, this is who we are: a community. Everyone belongs. Everyone has a seat at the table.
So let’s marvel—let’s be filled with wonder at the gift of community that God is building among us. It’s something to celebrate. Something to take pride in. Something to rejoice over.
Conclusion:
Psalm 133:1 reminds us to behold—to stop, focus, and see clearly that unity is both good and pleasant. Community is not just a nice idea—it’s God’s design.
And to illustrate this, I want us to think about something familiar: a deck of UNO cards. Each card matters, but by itself, it’s incomplete. The game only comes alive when the cards come together under the same rules.
That’s what community is like. Each of us brings something unique, but the blessing comes when we’re united under God’s direction.
Today, with the revised rules of Black UNO, we’ll see this in action. Just like the game, community works when everyone plays their part, respects the boundaries, and pursues the same goal. That’s where unity thrives.
So let’s behold this truth together: Community is not just good—it’s pleasant. It’s the place where God commands His blessing.
