John Wesley once said, “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.” Wesley did not mean that our faith depends on other people or that individual devotion does not matter. Rather, he understood that following Jesus was never intended to be done alone.
Christian faith is formed in community with other believers who worship together, pray together, study Scripture together, confess their struggles and sins to one another, carry each other’s burdens, and encourage one another to keep growing in grace. Wesley realized that faith is often weakened when separated from other believers, but authentic Christian community sharpens and strengthens our walk with Christ.
From the beginning of Methodism, through societies and class meetings, Christians gathered not merely to hear about Christ but to help one another become more like Him. Social holiness also compels us to reach beyond the walls of the church. Wesley understood that a heart transformed by God’s grace naturally overflows into acts of mercy, compassion, justice, and love for neighbors in need. Caring for the poor, visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, and standing alongside the forgotten members of society were not afterthoughts or optional ministries for Wesley. They were the evidence of lives transformed by Jesus Christ.
Time and again, Jesus drew His followers into relationship with Himself and with one another. He reminded His disciples—and He reminds us—that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:37–40). We cannot fully reflect the image of Christ if we are disconnected from His people or isolated from those around us who need to hear the
Good News of Jesus. Holiness is not solely personal; it is social.
In Christ,
James