We need each other is quite evident after we have walked through the recent virus that affected the world. Each of us was a helpless infant, but a caring loved one made it possible for us to grow up. If you think of a favorite memory, it was probably significant because of who you were with.
We can be easily defeated or discouraged by ourselves, but when another person comes alongside us, the entire dynamic changes. My problems don’t seem so overwhelming when I can share them with someone. When I share my struggle with others, a sin hidden in the darkness has no power over me. God made us for community. It was the Lord who said to Adam it was not good for him to be alone.
Mary Needed Someone
The Angel Gabriel came to Mary, telling her she would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Savior. The angel’s words came true not long after this, and Mary was pregnant. Who could she talk to? What did her parents say during this time?
Mary needed someone, so she visited her older cousin Elizabeth. Although Elizabeth was older than Mary, there must have been a special relationship for her to seek her out. Elizabeth could hear Mary’s story and tell her own as she was also pregnant. An angel had visited Elizabeth’s husband, Zechariah, telling him that his wife would have a baby in her old age.
As Mary speaks to Elizabeth, both women are uplifted. Luke 1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home.[1] Just like Mary and Elizabeth needed each other, we also need each other.
Life is Better Together
As Paul went on his first missionary journey, he went with a friend named Barnabas. Barnabas was known as an encourager, which is what Paul needed on an arduous spiritual journey. When Jesus sent the disciples out in Mark 6:7, they went two by two. When we think of discipleship, it often occurs with someone. Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.[2]
We all need friends who are faithful brothers and sisters in the faith. When we become isolated, we become easy prey for our spiritual enemy. I may be weak by myself, but when others gather around me, I find strength and courage I did not know I had. Our greatest friend, who is always there and will never leave or forsake us, is Jesus! Sometimes friends can’t journey with us, but Jesus will always travel with us. Who can you walk beside today and encourage, lift up, and assist?
To learn how we need each other, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-anxiety-to-adoration
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 1:56). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ec 4:9). Tyndale House Publishers.