Loneliness is a growing epidemic in our world today. More and more people are feeling disconnected and alone, especially with COVID-19. Isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and a host of health issues.
Building healthy relationships is not easy. While our society is more connected technologically than ever, our culture has become increasingly disconnected from the people in our everyday life.
What can you do to build meaningful relationships in your life? How can you move from feeling disconnected to feeling connected in thriving relationships? Here are a few suggestions.
1.) Get involved in a good church.
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
Church is the best place to find safe people to connect with. Find a good church in your area, join a small group, and sign-up for a ministry team. With COVID-19, churches might not be meeting onsite, but they are meeting online.
2.) Grab the initiative.
“Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant…” – Ecclesiastes 11:4a (NLT)
If you wait for perfect conditions you will never get anything done. Don’t wait for people to come to you. You go to them.
Phone a friend or family member a few times a week. Stay in touch over social media. Zoom a teammate to check-in each workday. Knock on your neighbors door, ask how they’re holding up and if there’s anything you can help with. See what activities are available in your area. Be sure to follow safe, social-distancing practices.
3.) Gain godly counsel.
“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” – Proverbs 15:22 (NLT)
Ask someone you trust for advice. Look into counseling. Get their insight on how you can make friends. It can be uncomfortable to ask for help, but if you’re struggling, their insight might be just what you need.
4.) Give yourself a break.
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1 (NLT)
Not all of your attempts to connect are going to go well. When things don’t work out don’t beat yourself up. It happens to everyone. Learn from what happened and keep going.
5.) Grow in Christ.
“Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” – 2 Peter 3:18a (NLT)
Jesus offers grace for where you’re at and knowledge for where you’re going. Pray and read Scripture daily to plug into his power for your life. Stay close to him. Let him fill you with his presence and peace. Remember: No matter what happens to you, Christ is always there for you.
No matter what happens TO you, remember Christ is always there FOR you. – @jeffmcclung
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Jeff McClung 