Human beings are mysteriously designed for relationship. Isolate someone in a room and eventually he or she will become stressed, and confused, and their sleep will be disturbed. The chronically isolated person will become ill more often and have a higher risk of heart disease. In fact, their genes will begin to decay—one researcher likened chronic loneliness to “premature aging.” Like flowers without sunlight, we wither without social connection.
But why? Why are we so relationally wired—with food, water, and shelter insufficient to keep us healthy?
Christians believe in the triune God. Scripture stresses that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), but also reveals that this God is a community of three persons— Father, Son, and Spirit. We see all three members of the Trinity present at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16-17). We are to be baptized in the name of all three (Matthew 28:19). And looking back, we may even see all three present in the world’s creation—Father directing the process (Genesis 1:1), Spirit hovering over the waters (Genesis 1:2), and Son as the Word of God (John 1:1) through whom creation is spoken into existence (Genesis 1:3-24).
If God Himself is a community, is it any wonder that when God makes humans in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), He makes them as relational beings? Male and female unite (Genesis 2:24), and the result is a family (Genesis 1:28). The siblings born become supports during times of adversity (Proverbs 17:17). Friends become those who sharpen us morally (Proverbs 27:6,17). In origin and function, we are relational to the core.
Loneliness in our homes, churches, and neighborhoods must be remedied by Christian love. In befriending the lonely, we reveal something of the triune God who made us.
More:
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God (1 John 4:7).
Next:
Do you know someone who needs a friend? What can you do today to love that person?
lindagma on October 6, 2010 at 5:59 am
Love this! And we are coming up on a season that makes relationships even more important. Opening your home to the lonely at Thanksgiving and Christmas is priceless.
sheridan voysey on October 6, 2010 at 5:48 pm
I like the way you’re thinking lindagma. Mother Teresa talked about loneliness being the new leprosy as far as modern isolating ailments. Would love to hear how your Thanksgiving and Christmas invites go.
Invisible on October 6, 2010 at 4:50 pm
I’ve kept myself pretty isolated (outside of my husband and children) for many years and I’m just beginning to see the toll that it has taken on me. Had it not been pointed out I don’t think I would have realized how much I actually longed for relationship. I’ve been told that God created people to be relational but I’ve never heard it put quite the way it’s worded above, concerning the triune God. Definitely food for thought.
sheridan voysey on October 6, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Hi Invisible.
May God give you the strength to risk making those connections with others, and bring safe new friends along your path. I ask this, God, in Jesus name. Amen.
mayonis on October 6, 2010 at 10:57 pm
In my community, everyone seem self-sufficient.
It’s really hard at (many) times to reach out to them.
I know if we see as God sees, we will be able to do as God says & when he grants us the opportunity to reach out.. He will definitely grant us the words to say or the wisdom to act etc… but i still find it difficult to love or just to take the first step.
The verse that God spoke to me recently was:
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.”
sighs. As much as I want to. I struggle. :'(
AManofGod on November 1, 2010 at 4:57 pm
This brought me much peace. I have been in an unGodly situation for many years and when I was presented a way out I hesitated. God gave me time to be clear before I made a choice without consulting Him and His word. It is possible to be lonely but with Jesus we are never really ALONE. My faith in God is stronger than it has been in years and it took a divorce to bring me back to Jesus! I thank you Lord for the lesson and I will not make the mistakes of my past become the foundation of my future!
edmundkingdom on November 20, 2010 at 2:37 am
I really admire God’s creation. God really showed His love towards us and there’s simply no reason to say that God does not exists.In the creation of the universe, we can clearly see the relatonship between the trinity.Hence, we are not to be alone in our daily life.We need love from people around us.Most importantly, love from God the Father Almighty.Priase God, then for His abundant love for mankind and remember, never displease and disgrace God in anyway, always abide in Him !