Community Quote by Jean Vanier
“It is only when we stand up, with all our failings and sufferings, and try to support others rather than withdraw into ourselves, that we can fully live the life of community.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Heart of the Matter, 2000
True community arises when we acknowledge our flaws and actively help others, rather than retreating into self‑absorption.
In simple terms: Helping others despite our own struggles builds real community.
Key Takeaway
Embrace vulnerability and support others.
Themes
community
compassion
vulnerability
service
interdependence
Mood
hopeful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- support groups
- neighborhood initiatives
- family care
Key Concepts
altruism
shared humanity
collective well‑being
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “standing up” look like in your daily life?
- How can we balance personal healing with helping others?
A Different Perspective
Self‑focus can feel safer, limiting communal growth.
![“The key to maturity is time and community. Discernment and godly wisdom develop in a community that spans generations. The church is called to be this place where the [God's] Spirit uses normal patterns and rhythms of the Christian life in a community, so that we may bear fruit like a well-watered…” quote by Michael Horton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a0f/michael-horton-14597_aging_the-key-to-maturity-is-time-and-communit_606437.jpg)
![“The social [media channel] isn't about beauty contests and popularity contests. They're a distortion, a caricature of the real thing. It's about trust, connection, and community. That's what there's too little of in today's mediascape, despite all the hoopla surrounding social tools. The promise…” quote by Umair Haque](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c85/umair-haque-25881_beauty_the-social-media-channel-isn-t-about-bea_1270.jpg)
