Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Did you know that in 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness is considered an epidemic with 1 in 3 people being affected weekly. Loneliness affects both our physical and emotional well-being and poses health risks similar to smoking.

God created us to live in community. Throughout Scripture we are reminded we were not meant to do life alone.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

If you have been working to better your relationships, it might be time to take some bold steps in this area of relational well-being.

Choose one of the following that seems right to you:

Deepen your friendships - Join a Group this semester. Whether its a Bible study or a sports group, build your faith and your friendships.

Read this article on Christian Friendship. What do you learn in this article? What are you challenged by? What are two things you would like to try to apply to your life.

Friendships are incredible, but sometimes they fall apart. Check out this podcast from Caroline Leaf on why this can feel even worse than intense.

Are you familiar with hospitality? Read one of the following articles to learn more and consider how you could practice simple hospitality over the next few weeks. And if this area is a gifting, consider helping a brother or sister for which it doesn't come so easily.

Hospitality for the Glory of God

Hospitality for Men (Why this Command isn't Gender Specific)

Remember, the development of the domains in Your Journey is a lifelong process; don't get frustrated if you feel like you need to journey here for a while. This is likely an area that you will continue in for months to come even as you work through other domains.

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This article is part of the Relational Domain of Your Journey. Your Journey is a framework to help you learn, live, and share the ways Jesus invites us to follow him in every area of our life. 

Wherever you are on your adventure with Jesus, there's always a next step you can take toward building your relationship with God. You can explore yours by diving into Your Journey in the More tab right here on the app. Navigate to the More tab and get started by taking the Your Journey Assessment today!