Kyle, who enjoys the familiarity of home, was away on a trip for sixteen days. When he returned, not only was he glad to be back, but he also felt the security that comes with being somewhere familiar again. It wasn’t the physical location so much as it was the people and the belonging that he appreciated when he returned. Everyone wanted to know how he was and what he had experienced while being away.

We all go our separate ways almost every day. Community isn’t about being in the same place with the same people all the time. But it is about having a place to belong so that no matter where we go, we always have a place to return to—a place where we are known, supported, and loved. In a place of community, we can share where we have been and what we have done, and we can rest from the difficulties of life.

The apostle Paul was often on the road and facing difficulties at every turn. Receiving the gift of Titus’s presence was deeply encouraging to him. But even more encouraging were the messages that Titus delivered from people who cared deeply for Paul and were concerned for his well-being. The reminders of a supportive and caring community brought on feelings of great joy. That’s the kind of joy we all need from a community that we can call home.