Alive: Lent DevotionalsSample

Alive: Community

The idea of self-care has gained a lot of traction in recent years. On the one hand, this is a good thing. As someone who’s suffered from mental illness, I know how important self-care is. As part of the recovery process, I had to make sure I looked after myself by praying, exercising plenty, and eating well.

However, I wonder if the rise of self-care is symptomatic of a deeper problem: the trend of individualism – the cult of “do whatever is best for you.” It is interesting that, as these things have grown in our society, so too has loneliness.

A human being cannot thrive in isolation. We’re built for relationship. We’re made for community. We need each other.

When I was going through the most difficult periods of my life, there’s no way I could have done it without the support of my friends, family, and church. If we truly want to care for ourselves, then the first thing we must do is reach out to others.

Prayer:

Lord,

Thank You for the gift of relationship and community. For those of us who are lonely, bring the comfort of closeness into our lives. For those of us who are not lonely, help us to see those who are, and help us to reach out to them. Amen.

Author: Gideon Heugh, Tearfund