Some things we only learn together. Paul writes the following prayer in his circular letter, which later became known as the Epistle to the Ephesians:

“Wherefore I bend my knees […] that Christ may fully dwell in your hearts through faith, and that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strengthened to to grasp with all the saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height (to know also the love of the Christ that surpasses all knowledge), that you may be made complete unto the entire completeness of God.”
Eph 3:14-19

Paul writes here a promise that only “with all the saints” can we grasp some things. It is in community, in congregations, in churches, in faith communities, in encounters with other people, that we learn. We can’t do it alone. Together we understand more.

The apostle speaks of Christ as gaining space in us, shaping our actions and giving us confidence. This is what he says of the community. In the common direction, we have something like a breeding ground for confidence. Paul speaks of our being able to know the breadth and length and depth and height of Christ’s love, which is much more important than mere knowledge. We can better shape, develop, nurture faith together.

There is a purpose behind this: “so that you may be completed to the whole perfection of God.” What are you supposed to imagine with words like that? In order for you to be completed, that is what is happening. Paul is concerned that people in the church grow, that they be complemented. The word “complete” indicates that the last part of a set is added. After that it is “full” or “complete”.

Paul explains that the goal in view is not just any things, not religious rites, not supposed special knowledge, but the goal concerns the impact of the love of the Christ, to the completion of believers. What is this supposed to be characterized by? Well, we should be completed “to the entire completion of God.” The apostle adds the dimension of God. It’s not just about getting better, it’s about being replenished in the complete fullness of God Himself. This answers ultimate questions, the “where to” and “what for” of our lives.

It is the communities that have this in common as a promise. Such far-reaching things cannot be grasped single-handedly. We are too limited to be able to understand everything. In the community, however, what is still missing is added. That is where growth takes place. Love can be practiced there (cf. Gal 5:6). In the same letter, the apostle speaks of building up in the church:

“For the edification of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to the matured man, to the measure of the fullness of the completion of the Christ …”
Eph 4:12-13

A community that has this in mind becomes stable, holds together, grows together. Paul now writes as a suggestion:

“But if we are true, we should make everything grow in love, into Him who is the head, Christ …”
Eph 4:15

After Paul has explained this basic attitude, he then goes on to give practical instructions. Although Paul uses theological language, his concern is always practical. Only in everyday life can the gospel of God’s grace prove itself.