Loneliness & Other Church Stuff

     Alone. So alone. In an empty or crowded room, indoors or out, even in our own minds, we sometimes feel desperately, utterly alone. We wonder, does anyone else feel this way? Does anyone understand? Does anyone even care? We can be present with our very best friends, and still feel as isolated as a lone human being on a deserted island.

     We human beings are social creatures. We are meant to exist within communities; ideally, the church is the primary community that we belong to. In the church, we can support one another in prayer, give godly guidance, and worship together, all of which form a greater bond than can be found in secular circles. Or at least, it should.

     But in the church today, there is a lack of closeness, a lack of intimacy which is separating us. We often are hesitant to share our struggles with our brothers and sisters. Sometimes, we don't see each other at all outside of 'church activities.' This is truly heartbreaking, as the church is meant to be one cohesive unit, acting together to accomplish things to the glory of God. Perhaps we fear judgment from other Believers, and this is why we are not more open with each other. But if we could unite, could knock down the walls that separate us, I believe that we would see great things begin to happen.

     People outside the church often struggle with loneliness as well. How are we Christians, who are supposed to be the body of Christ, going to show them love if we can't even get it right with our own family? If Christians could begin to follow the words of Philippians 2:3-4, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” if we could really start to love each other the way Christ loves us, can you imagine how awesome the church community would be? Within many churches, there are cliques. It's really a shame that we, albeit unintentionally, divide ourselves so.

     We Christians have got to stop acting alone. We need to be straightforward when we have a need for prayer and support. We need to follow the words of James 5:16, Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. We need to call out sin when we see it, for as Proverbs 27:6 says, Faithful are the wounds of a friend.

     What's stopping us? I think the main issue is mostly likely fear. But God is the guy who created the universe, and if you're acting in love and obedience to Him, He'll totally have your back in all you do. What if we lose friends? Jesus didn't care as much about who liked Him and who didn't as who was going to follow the Word of the Father. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear! (Mark 7:16) I'm not saying to go around obnoxiously telling people they're in sin, but if you love someone, why would you let them continue in habits that hurt them?

     Back on the subject of feeling alone, the church is not solely responsible for curing that. We were created to experience the deepest type of intimacy with our Father, Savior, and Lord. He has promised “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) He is with us constantly, loves us immeasurably, and knows us like no human being ever could. It is His Spirit that unites the church.