There are no words to express the abyss between isolation and having one ally. It may be conceded to the mathematician that four is twice two. But two is not twice one; two is two thousand times one. —G. K. Chesterton
Not long ago, a couple in our church became empty nesters. Rather than letting their lives become quieter, this couple asked, “Who can we invest in?” They found a group of young couples and invited them over for food and conversation. This became a regular event, and one evening Libby and I were invited. For two hours, the younger couples asked us questions about marriage. I was inspired by how they had positioned themselves to be spurred on toward love.
And you know what? When any of those couples face a struggle or loss, or crisis, they don’t do it alone.
There should be no such thing as a Christian living in isolation. We were rescued to be a part of His family. How do I know this? Hebrews 10:24-25 says,
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another …
If you’re looking to experience the fullness of new covenant living, then gathering isn’t optional. I know we live in a society of options—there are a dozen ways to spend today. But if our lives are too full to experience relationships, then we’re missing it. We need each other as we provoke one another in the way of love.
The essence of the new covenant is intimate relationship. If you want to live the new covenant, it’s simple—draw near, hold on, and invest in others while inviting others to invest in you. Does it require time? Yes. But it’s not an extra thing to work toward. Instead, it’s a way of resting in Christ and allowing Him to live and love through you.
Lord, I want community, not isolation… I’m available for that! Amen.