5 Keys to Move Beyond Your LonelinessSample

Become a Cheerleader

My granddaughter runs in track meets for her school. She’s a fast runner, but that’s not what impresses me most. What’s most extraordinary is the way she cheers for all the other runners in the race. She cheers loudly, at times while running, “Come on, you can finish!” It’s actually a great lesson in cultivating deeper friendships. If we’re going to move beyond our loneliness and enjoy closer relationships, we must stop competing and start cheering.

The Apostle Paul wrote that true love, doesn’t envy. (I Corinthians 13:4). James the brother of Jesus wrote some very harsh words to believers teaching them that envy points to our selfish ambition and crates division in the church. (James 3:16). The truth is, envy creates division in every relationship. Left unchecked, jealousy will ruin your friendships. If we’re going to move beyond our loneliness, we must stop competing and comparing.

How do we tame the monster of envy? We cultivate an attitude of gratitude. We worship the Giver of the gifts rather than the gifts themselves. We cheer for the victories of others. As you learn to give thanks in all things, your attitude will align more with Christ’s. As you worship the Giver of the gifts, your heart will be more enthralled with Him than the gifts themselves. As you begin to cheer for others, celebrating what God is doing for them, the temptation to compete will diminish. Instead, you’ll cultivate the deeper connections your heart craves.

Friend, the world has enough division. Rather than competing, why not start cheering? Praise God when He blesses your friends. Celebrate their victories and accomplishments. Competition divides even the dearest of friends. Conversely, when you start cheering, your family and friends will feel encouraged, and they’ll want to connect with you more.

Pause and reflect: What most often stirs up in you the tendency to compare? What tangible step could you take today to start cheering for another?

Pray: Holy One, I confess to you my tendency to compare and compete. I realize when I feel insecure, I look at the accomplishments of others and feel inadequate. Forgive me, Lord. Help me to worship You today, and teach me to be thankful. Holy Spirit, uproot my inclination to compare and cleanse my heart from envy. Show me specifically which friends today need to feel celebrated.