During a mission trip a year and a half ago to the Philippines and Durban, South Africa, a powerful concept emerged that perfectly captures the heart of the Christian life: Ubuntu. This beautiful Southern African term is often translated as “I am because we are,” and it’s a profound recognition that our individual humanity is inextricably bound up in the humanity of others.

For Christians, Ubuntu is not a foreign concept; it is the very essence of discipleship. It stands as a vital correction to the rugged individualism that often dominates Western culture and, regrettably, our own approach to faith.

Oneness: Clothed in Christ

The concept of Ubuntu finds its clearest Biblical expression in the Apostle Paul’s radical vision of the church. In Galatians 3:26-28, Paul declares:

“So, in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

When we are “clothed with Christ,” the distinctions that divide the world—race, status, gender—are dissolved into a unified identity. Our purpose is no longer self-serving but entirely communal. We are, quite literally, one body, where the individual’s well-being depends entirely on the health of the others. “I am because we are” becomes “I am because He is,” for we stand chosen, forgiven, and wholly loved only because of Christ’s sacrifice for all who believe.

The Call to Communal Service

This radical oneness immediately moves us from self-focus to mutual obligation. When we approach church primarily for our own benefit, we risk building up our church rather than being the Church. Ubuntu challenges this inward-looking perspective, demanding a life lived for the whole. Paul articulates this necessary shift in Galatians 5:13-14:

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

When we serve as Christ demonstrated, living for the community rather than just ourselves, the world changes. We begin to truly see the impact of our life’s footprint on those around us.

Overcoming Individualism for a Shared Path

In the West, we often take pride in individualism, believing we must face life’s challenges alone. Yet, this is not God’s design. When we live in isolation, the wolves of fear, loneliness, and temptation quickly lead us to falter.

We are meant to be together—to lift one another, to hold each other accountable, and to share purpose, all in love. This communal sense is what Ubuntu wraps into a single word. Christ made this collective love the defining mark of true discipleship (John 13:34-35): “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Our love for one another is our single most powerful evangelistic tool.

Living Ubuntu in the 21st Century

Younger generations are desperately hungry for true connection and belonging. In a world where social networks often divide us further, the Church must be the authentic place of community. If we are to remain the Church in the 21st century, we must move increasingly into that communal space.

What does it look like to live out “I am because you are” today? It means choosing vulnerability over isolation. We must bear each other’s burdens and share one another’s triumphs. We must choose service over self-interest and prioritize the needs of the community. Lastly, we must be willing to surrender a degree of our autonomy to embrace accountability to our faith community and allow them to help keep us on the path.

Embracing Ubuntu is not just adopting a new term; it is stepping fully into the unified, loving, and sacrificial life Christ designed for us all.

Scott Soden
Director of Brethren Global Partners