I play tennis. I used to play singles, but when I started playing doubles several years ago, I realized I enjoyed playing even more. Having a partner changed the game entirely.

After playing doubles for a while, singles started to feel lonely. There was no partner to encourage me when I was playing poorly or to cheer for me when I made a great shot or just to strategize with.

The church should never feel lonely. As a member of a church, there should always be someone who cares about me, someone who notices when I’m struggling and reaches out with encouragement. Or someone who sees me succeed and joins me in celebrating.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭11,‬ ‭CSB)

God created His church for us so we wouldn’t be lonely while we waited for His return. If there is loneliness in our churches, we are doing it wrong. If someone needs help, maybe the someone who notices should be me.

Dear God,

Thank you so much for the community of believers you intend for me to be a part of. Show me how to be the encouragement that someone else needs today or to join in someone else’s joy so that it is multiplied. Forgive me for tending to keep to myself. Help me to see how loneliness can be banished from my church.