Isolation Versus Relationship

The disease of isolation is quite prevalent across all parts of our society these days.  God’s call to us in order to live fulfilling lives today is to come out of isolation and enter into healthy relationships.

What would it look like today to begin to get to know others and to let ourselves be known?  It certainly means taking time for that, doing a bit of reaching out, and allowing relationships at various levels to bring joy and richness to daily life. 

We also take a step out of isolation when we sincerely pray things like the Serenity Prayer and progressively come to know and build a relationship with this amazing God, who can restore us to sanity.

Jesus said: “I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing. 

John 15:5

We need to form a relationship with our Heavenly Father and learn how to receive and respond to His love.  God's love is unfailing. As we open our hearts to His kindness, we begin to relax and take a risk to share ourselves with others and offer friendship.   Sometimes it is through the gentle spirit of another human being that we see God's love and come to believe that God really cares for us. 

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Philippians 2:4

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word and the teaching there of how a life of healthy relationships is like a body where each part works together and supports the other parts.  Help us today, and ongoing, to adjust our way of living so we come out of self-centered isolation and live in ways that help, strengthen and encourage others.

As Your Word instructs us,

Let us consider how we can stir up one another to love. Let us help one another to do good works. And let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us encourage one another with words of hope.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Amen

So, let’s find a bit of courage today to reach out and be a friend.  As we do, let’s take time to experience God’s love and encouragement for us and then in the strength and joy of that, be a source of joy and support to someone else.