Tuesday; July 8

Do you feel alone?  It is hard to imagine that in a world that is so crowded and so full of communication options that people feel lonely – but they do.  There are people in crowds who feel alone, and I would imagine that there are even people in intimate relationships that feel alone.  Loneliness isn’t defined by the number of people around us, rather it is felt when we don’t have quality relationships close to us. 

I would imagine that if we look hard enough, we could find some tips to making friends and developing relationships that can conquer loneliness; but I want to take this a different direction.  Let’s look around us and see the lonely people.  Let’s see the people who are physically (or even more importantly, emotionally) alone.  Then, once we see them, let’s invite them into our world and circle of friends.  No, we don’t have to be best buddies, but by building a relationship with them we’ll have one less lonely person in our world today.

Years ago, the New Testament writer challenged Christians, “Let love of the brethren continue.  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:1-2).  As I reflected on this, I got to thinking about a modern application – when we are hospitable and caring to others, especially those we don’t know – we may be enlightening those who are fragile.  Not everyone will get a chance to do some heroic act and save a life; but all of us can reach out to someone who is hurting and change their life.

Think About It!