Beloved is not just a narrative about moral decisions and the impacts of slavery; it also intricately explores two of Morrison's central themes: the essence of community and the potential healing power of love. As the story unfolds across different timelines, Morrison illustrates that Sethe's primary source of hope lies within her community, yet the community's shortcomings significantly contributed to her tragic actions.

The novel contrasts two types of communities that fail. At Sweet Home, a false community exists where the slaves form a supportive group as the hidden malevolence under the Garners' ownership becomes evident with Schoolteacher. As the policies of Schoolteacher and his nephews become increasingly threatening, the slaves unite to plan an escape to Ohio. Many endure suffering during this process; Sixo's death is depicted vividly, and Paul D and Halle are left damaged or broken by their experiences. Despite this, they persist through their communal bonds.

Upon reaching Ohio, Sethe is revitalized by the prospect of a free community. As she recovers from her physical and emotional traumas, she delights in "twenty-eight days of having women friends, a mother-in-law, and all her children together; of being part of a neighborhood"—experiences she hadn't realized she was missing until she had them. These newfound joys become crucial to her, making it impossible to give them up when Schoolteacher tries to reclaim her. However, in the novel, the idea of community is complex. To honor Sethe's recovery and Denver's almost miraculous birth, Baby Suggs hosts a lavish feast. The community views her celebration as excessive, which breeds resentment. This bitterness disrupts the warning network meant to protect former slaves from being captured under the Fugitive Slave Law. Consequently, Baby Suggs remains unaware of the unfamiliar white men nearby and cannot prepare for their presence. Despite sensing something amiss, Baby Suggs cannot shield Sethe from Schoolteacher's unexpected arrival. This leads to Beloved's tragic death, for which the community indirectly shares responsibility but fails to recognize, rendering Sethe an outcast. After serving her jail sentence, the isolated Sethe is compelled to sell her body to afford a gravestone, emphasizing the community's ongoing failure to support her.

The community's initial lack of warning and support worsens Sethe's predicament, yet it also offers a chance for her recovery. When Paul D learns about the events from eighteen years prior, he finds it intolerable to remain with Sethe, stating her love is "too thick," and relocates to a church basement. Stamp Paid is furious that no one in the neighborhood has provided Paul D with shelter. As he shares Paul D's situation, he also spreads word about the dire circumstances at 124, Sethe's home. Beloved and Sethe are caught in a harmful conflict, leading Denver to seek help beyond their home. The women from the community step in with physical support and spontaneously organize an exorcism to expel Beloved from Sethe's and Denver's lives. Through this intervention, along with the timely arrival of one of the few compassionate white characters in the novel, Sethe's neighbors assist her in ridding herself of Beloved, who has taken form as a physical ghost.