Belonging: What It Is And How To Experience It

When was the last time you felt a sense of belonging in your community or at church? If you desire to increase your sense of belonging, you are not alone. Keep reading to discover three types of belonging, inspiration for increasing one’s sense of belonging, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

On Belonging

Community Belonging

Some time ago, I found myself surrounded by men, women, and children of various ages. My time spent with them was uplifting, educating, and inspiring. The place in which we gathered was a place:

• of fellowship, of unity, love, and support
• with countless hugs, encouragement, and engaging conversations with friends, old and new
• with many resources to help guide one through life’s journey
• of renewal, self-improvement, and hope
• where all are welcome, where members are greeted with enthusiasm
• where light shines in the eyes of the people
• where a sense of peace abounds

This delightful place was a local convention hall. Attending the convention is always one of the highlights of my year.

The connection I feel with others while at this yearly convention is immeasurable.

Have you had a similar experience in your community?

Church Belonging

For some, attending church each week may feel similar to what I feel at the convention: fellowship, unity, love, support, hugs, encouragement, friends, renewal, hope, enthusiasm, peace.

For others, church is quite the opposite, as they struggle with the desire to feel seen, included, needed, loved.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson explains: “A sense of belonging is important to our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Yet it is quite possible that at times each of us might feel that we don’t fit in. In discouraging moments, we may feel that we will never measure up to the Lord’s high standards or the expectations of others.” ¹

Do you feel a sense of belonging at church?

Zion Belonging

Are you as eager as I am to live in a Zion-like society? Zion will be a place where we, as followers of Jesus Christ, along with other good people of the earth, live as one in a place of unity and love. In this place of belonging, we will endeavor to progress down the covenant path. I eagerly await this day.

The Prophet Joseph Smith declared: “The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people of God in every age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests and kings have dwelt with peculiar delight; they have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day; but they died without the sight; we are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory.” ²

That said, the journey to a Zion-like society is far from easy. Living in an imperfect world with imperfect people makes it tempting, at times, to give up on my dream.

But there are two things I know for sure:

1. I will never give up on my dream of becoming a Zion-like society.

2. There is only one path that leads to the fulfillment of that dream, and it is this:

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Creative Ways To Be The Change

1. Attend or host a social activity. Discover 300 creative activity ideas here.
2. Seek opportunities to serve others. Check out these ministering ideas.
3. Get to know your neighbors. Here’s some inspiration.

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