By Cyndi
After we had prayed and closed our small group meeting the other night, someone said, “This is such a sweet group we have.” We all agreed. It is good for us to come together in unity. (Ps. 133:1) It’s a time where we can share our hearts and hopes as we study, discuss, and pray together. This is where we connect.
We were all created for connection. In Genesis we see where God gave Eve to be a help meet for Adam. (Gen. 2:18) And what I find more interesting is the first part of that verse — “it is not good that the man should be alone.”
Loneliness is considered a real threat to our health. From the Millennials to the elderly, loneliness can increase our mortality rate, cause inflammation in our bodies, and a host of other medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, just to name a few. Why? Because we were meant to be with other people. When we stay connected it actually improves our health and well-being.
A couple of evenings ago I stepped outside and saw a flock of bicycles going by hooting and hollering, having fun. You could tell by all the commotion they were having a grand ol’ time just cruising around the neighborhood. I had to smile as it reminded me of the times when I was a kid and my neighbors and I used to bike around our neighborhood, up to the 7-Eleven to cash in bottles, racing to the end of the street, or jumping ramps in our dirt driveway. We used to have a blast together.
Being together—that’s the key. The Word calls us the body of Christ and each one of us is a part of it. (1 Cor. 12:27) So as a natural body is inter-connected and relies on each part to function, we, as Christians, should be interdependent on one another too. We need each other—for encouragement, strength, correction, support.
And when we do connect, it’s sweet communion. Not that we have to be doing anything “spiritual,” but just spending time together. Eating together, sharing coffee time, walking, playing cards — anything! Connecting keeps us healthy and living longer. Oh, of course, there are some amazing spiritual benefits that happen too. But that would be a whole other article.