Unfortunately, the word fellowship has come to be associated with awkward gatherings in church basements, drinking red punch, and participating in stilted conversations. No wonder people give up on it! Paul describes connectedness as ‘being rooted and established in love’. When a tree puts roots into the ground, it takes in nutrients and water, and the tree grows and has life, but only if it’s rooted. In the same way, we’re rooted, and our souls are nourished in the love of God – and other people. We experience this physically and emotionally when we connect with somebody. When there is an exchange of genuine caring, the roots of your soul get fed. We flourish when we’re connected with God and people, and we languish when we’re disconnected. Emotionally isolated people are more prone to depression, anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem, substance abuse, sexual addiction, and difficulty eating and sleeping. One behavioural expert writes: ‘Connection not only helped make us who we are…it helps determine who we become as individuals…In both cases, human connections, mental health, psychological health, and emotional well-being are inextricably linked.’ Even animals that are isolated experience more intensive arterial sclerosis. One author writes, ‘A friend of mine used to have a dog and a cat [that] fought for ten years. Then the cat died…and the dog wouldn’t eat. Six weeks later he died.’ That’s just a small illustration of the power of connection. This doesn’t mean you have to force yourself to become an extrovert. Some of the shyest people have the deepest friendships because they identify life-giving relationships, plug into them, thrive, and give back. And that’s what God designed you to do too.

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.