We were not meant to live in isolation. God said in the beginning, "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). The psalmist also said, "God places the lonely in families" (Psalm 68:6).
God places the lonely in families because He values relationships for people. Relationships are important - in the home and outside of it. That's one reason you should make church a priority in your marriage.
When many people think of church, they think only of attending the Sunday morning worship service. But that's only a part of any church worthy of the name. The church is "the called-out ones" (see 1 Peter 2:9), those who have responded to Jesus Christ as Lord and come together to learn and encourage each other. Small Bible study and prayer groups are vital in church fellowship. Be sure that you do not simply sample the Sunday sermon. Get involved in small group studies where you can find answers to the questions that arise.
If you haven't attended church regularly, start this Sunday. Find a group of Christians with whom you can identify, with whom you can come to share, and who will give you the encouragement and support you need.
Take time to pray individually or as a couple. Thank God for creating you as social beings - and for giving you the family and the church to fulfill your need to belong. Ask Him to guide your search for the right church - or to give you a renewed appreciation for your present church.
Take time to reflect.
How would you summarize your attitude toward church?
How do you know if your church is right for you?
What do you have to offer other people in the church?
Consider these passages for further study on church.
Acts 2:41-47 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Philippians 2:1-2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
1 Peter 4:8-9 8 Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Psalm 68:5-6 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
6 God sets the lonely in families,[a]
he leads out the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Great thoughts of Gary Chapman. These thoughts remind me to value the relationships around me. Uplift and encourage others who need uplifting. When you realize you put yourself in a lonely place. Find a way to go around others to help you become a better person. To yourself and to the Lord.