Read Genesis 2:21-25- 21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. 25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

First off, back in Genesis 1:27-28, we already have seen God created male and female, this narrative isn’t about “how” the woman was created, this narrative gives us the imagery of purpose and partnership.

The primary reason for that is the word rib, tsela (sela). This is the only place in scripture that talks about “rib” as an anatomical description. The word is used 40x’s and each of those times it is used as an architectural term, the side of the tabernacle, the side of the tent of meeting, even the side of the hill in battle.

The author is saying that God took the side of the human to make another human, he took from one, from his side and now there are two. When you incorporate the picture of suitable helper, we have this picture of an ally, a companion coming alongside for the common good, for greater function within creation.

Which means, because of the image of God and creating humanity side by side, male and female are equal in the eyes of God. Because think about it. The woman is not created from Adam’s head, as if she is superior or from Adam’s feet as if she is inferior, but from his side showing mutuality and equality. Remember equality isn’t just about being the same, the beauty of equality is being aligned, yet different.

Community is two out of one to be one. Community is oneness. We’ll share a touch more tomorrow. But for the time being, settle in the fact that God created a suitable helper out of the side, to be by the side, two that are different to be one in purpose and partnership.
If you are marriage, how does that redefine marriage for you? If you are in a working relationship, how does that “side by side” working impact you? Remember you can’t live the fruit of the Spirit in isolation or by yourself. The fruit of the Spirit is meant to be lived in relationship. Where do you need grow, in community, with one of the fruit of the Spirit?
Journal about what "side-by-side" community looks like in your current season of life.