Companionship – Genesis 2:18a – Highway of Holiness

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”

Wretched are people who are emotionally alone. Having become isolated, they deprive themselves of the joy of heartfelt companionship with others who, like they, were made in God’s image[1] and created for fellowship with God and with one another.[2]

Far, far superior is the life shared in loving and intimate relationship with a spouse, family, and friends rather than in emotional seclusion. For the wise live in a lush oasis, while the unwise choose to wander in the desert, not realizing that two are better than one and that each person can gain much from others.[3] While none would deny that the solitary life is uncluttered, leaving its master’s house in perfect order with no one to disrupt things or consume what one has set aside for personal use, the isolated person forfeits the joy people bring into a home.[4]

How heavy the needs and trials of those who choose to carry their burdens on their own shoulders, without the support and counsel of trusted confidants or advisors, without those who would lift them when they fall. How cold are the hearts of those not warmed by a spouse’s embrace, a friend’s smile, or a child’s hug. How vulnerable are they who have no companions to stand with them when their knees buckle and their hearts grow faint, and how sad their days— cut off from every source of human comfort and fellowship.[5]

While some marry and others remain single, and some have children while others do not, all need people in their lives who love them and whom they can love. Jesus understood this. Though He was the Son of God in perfect communion with His heavenly Father, He did not attempt to travel His road on earth alone, and He did not think He could fulfill His need for fellowship from the multitudes. Rather, He drew close to a few,[6] pursuing their friendship and support[7] and refusing to turn away from them though they failed to stand with Him through His darkest moments.[8]

Treasure the special people in your life and realize that emotional intimacy is a gift established by God from the time that He created men and women in His image. He considers it vital to our soul’s well-being. Therefore, join yourself in spiritual union with others, and through them receive encouragement in Christ, consolation in love, and kindness in the Spirit.[9]

Where Christ abides
Joy resides
When prayer upholds
Friendship unfolds

Though distance parts
Love seals our hearts
And faith responds
To tie the bonds

While Jesus shows
That He bestows
The links of gold
Our eyes behold

[1] Genesis 1:27

[2] John 15:4, Romans 12:10

[3] Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

[4] Proverbs 14:4

[5] 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 21-24

[6] Matthew 10:2-4

[7] Matthew 26:37-38

[8] Matthew 26:40-46

[9] Philippians 2:1-2