Going Together

Often, we're lonely. Even when we have friends, we can be spiritually lonely.

The statistics vary from year to year, and from country to country, but this story of loneliness starts with Adam and Eve. It's not just you or me. We're all looking for connection.

When it comes to God's mission, friendships are essential.

Ecclesiastes 4 reinforces this wisdom: "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken."

No surprise, but Jesus taught the same principle. For instance, when we study how Jesus discipled his apostles, he arranged them into three small groups of four, and each group had a designated leader! When he sent them out on a mission, as we see in Mark 6:6, he sent them out two by two.

We embrace God's mission in community.

Your local relationships are primary. There's nothing more valuable than in-person, face-to-face friendships. So is there one person in your community that you could discuss these devotionals with? Maybe you're in a small group that could do this study with you?

At the same time, an online community offers its own benefits. A diverse, international, and multicultural community can challenge and encourage you in unique ways. And writing down your thoughts is uniquely beneficial to gaining clarity, confidence, and momentum in your faith.