You highlighted something in your comment that needs to be reiterated. As Christ-followers, we need to have genuine motives when we seek to develop intentional relatonships with people. At times, many of us have viewed people as projects, a number, an invite, however this is not how God and by proxy His people should see our neighbors.

You are spot on when you say we should love and like our neighbors first. Why? Because love is the reason Christ himself chose to associate with humanity. Any motive we use to create community that is not based on love is a lesser motive than Christ’s. And that simply put is destined to create a community experience that is less authentic than Jesus expects.
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It is the same thing with someone who is not a follwer of Christ and actually has never even come to our church. For example your neighbor or co-worker whom you know but has never come to your church. Often we see those people as “goals” or “projects”. I realize that sounds a little harsh and not many are willing to admit it, but ask yourself this…When I have attempted to invite someone to church or win them to Christ and they repeatedly say no…at some point have I stopped talking to them and said to myself, “I tried but they didn’t want it?” Our sole purpose for talking to them is to get them to come to my church or lead them to faith in Christ. Now…hear me out…does God want them to know Him…emphatically yes! Does God want to use us to lead them to know Him…emphatically yes! However, why can’t we genuinley like our neighbors and enjoy spending time with them as friends. Why can’t we develop community with our neighbors or co-workers? Why do many (I know not all) followers feel like they can only have relationships with other followers of Christ? What my neighbors and co-workers need to know is that I value their friendship and I like them, and I will be their friend and hangout with them regardless of whether they ever come to my church or not! Regardless of whether they ever accept Christ or not! Don’t ever compromise, don’t ever neglect to tell them about your friendship with God and how they can have friendship with God, but shouldn’t we be their friend even if they never come to church? I think that is the love God wants us to have for people so that they may experience community with us!

If people are going to feel like they belong, they must be connected. Maybe that is through a small group, maybe it is through serving in some ministry, but they must be connected with other people. I struggle to think it should be a guests responsibility to connect. I should extend my hand so that they can grab it, lock arms with me and walk together for a common purpose!

So is community a friend…absolutely. Is it a foe, only when we do not intentionally invite others to belong. These are not exhaustive thoughts on community, but I know no one wants to read four pages of blogs. Thanks Anthony!