“When we live outside of a healthy community, we not only lose others. We lose ourselves...Who we understand ourselves to be is dramatically affected for better or worse by those we hold closest to us. We only truly come to know ourselves in the context of others. The more isolated and disconnected we are, the more shattered and distorted our self-identity. We are not healthy when we are alone. We find ourselves as we connect to others.” Erwin McManus
Studies show 3 out 5 Americans are lonely.
63% of men to be lonely, compared with 58% of women.
Social media use was tied to loneliness as well, with 73% of very heavy social media users considered lonely, as compared with 52% of light users.
4 THINGS THAT DESTROY RELATIONSHIPS
1. Selfishness destroys relationships
James 4:1-2 NLT
Proverbs 28:25 GNB
2. Pride destroys relationships
Proverbs 13:10 NLT
Proverbs 16:18 NLT
Proverbs 16:18 MSG
3. Insecurity destroys relationships
Proverbs 29:25 MSG
4. Resentment destroys relationships
Psalms 73:21-22 NLT
Hebrews 12:15 NLT
3 BENEFITS OF A LIFE-GIVING COMMUNITY
Psalms 133:1-3 NLT
1. THERE IS AN ANOINTING IN OUR LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIPS
Psalms 133:2 NLT
The Christian needs another Christian who speaks God's word to him. He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged, for by himself he cannot help himself without belying the truth. He needs his brother man as a bearer and proclaimer of the Divine word of salvation. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer
2. THERE IS A HOPEFUL ANTICIPATION IN OUR LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIPS
Psalms 133:3 NLT
3. THERE IS A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN IN OUR LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIPS
Psalms 133:3 NLT
1 Corinthians 11:24-26 NLT
1 Corinthians 11:28-30 TPT