Freedom from Loneliness: Finding Community and Healing through Jesus

Even before the recent pandemic, a January 2020 study reported that more than three in five Americans are lonely, “with more and more people reporting feeling like they are left out, poorly understood and lacking companionship.” Pervasive loneliness “has widespread effects” and is strongly linked to mental health issues. The study reported that “evidence is really pointing to the fact that relationships – the kinds of bonds you have with people, how close you are, how connected you feel to others – impact your physical health as well.”

During this Lenten season, we turn to the symbol of the cross with more intention. The cross reminds us of the many everlasting and unconditional gifts Jesus gave to us through his life and death, among those:

1. Freedom from Loneliness

Anyone who does the will of Jesus is my brother.
- Matthew 12:46-50

Turning to Jesus gives us a spiritual family that is just as important and powerful and unconditional as our biological family.

God’s kingdom is made through these powerful relationships. Step into community – don’t allow yourself to remain isolated.

A large crowd was in pain with the widow who lost her only son. The crowd helped her move toward Jesus.
- Luke 7:11-12

2.  A Village to Encounter Jesus

Gather in my name, I will be there.
- Matthew 18:20

When Jesus saw the widow, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry,” he said.
Luke 7:13

We need to look for opportunities to provide compassion for others. We need to help them. In helping others, we move toward Jesus.

Jesus told him to sit up. Because of the faith of the crowd, she was given the gift of her son’s life.
- Luke 7:14-16

3.  A Village to Bring Us Healing

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that we can be healed.
- James 5:16

Be a family for others. Be strength for others. Help others encounter Jesus.

Give Jesus everything you are struggling with – He will give you strength. When we turn toward Jesus, we are never truly alone.

Freedom From Selfishness

Where you find selfishness and jealousy, there will be disorder.

James 3:15-16 

You must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.

Matthew 16:24

When you only think of yourself, it is impossible to hear Jesus.

Jesus wants to be the force that helps generosity flow through us.

Problematic Thinking: “I think about myself all the time.”

 Jesus thinks about me so I don’t have to focus on myself.

 Those who receive Jesus are freed from ourselves.

2 Corinthians 5:15

Problematic Thinking: “Will there be enough for me?”

When we obsess over our own needs exclusively, this prevents us from seeing those who need help. We must unconditionally believe God has enough for us.

Use my little to provide a lot for others.

Philippians 4:19

 Jesus will grow the generosity inside us.

2 Corinthians 9:10

Problematic Thinking: “Who will fight for my share?”

God has something special for all of us and no one can take it away from us.

 We are God’s masterpiece.

Ephesians 2:10

 Jesus has an inheritance marked for us. It is kept in heaven and protected for us.

1 Peter 1:4

Approach life by asking, “What does God have for us?” rather than by focusing on increasing our own Earthly gains. We must seek to value others above ourselves and pay attention to the needs of everyone around us. When we acknowledge that God is in charge, we will see his resources flow through us, and we will have more.

The generous will prosper.

Proverbs 11:25

The world needs people who will think of others first. With every step we take, may we understand that God has a place and a purpose for us.

My grandmother used to say, “You can either worry or pray; you cannot do both. Let go and let God.” When we stop concerning ourselves with solely our own needs, we make way for God to guide us in leading a generous life. In doing so, we gain ground for God and we fulfill a glorious life.

Selfishness = Self-Obsessed

Selflessness = Generosity