Did you know that loneliness can cause more serious physical and mental health problems that smoking or drinking too much alcohol? Sometimes we like to be alone, but loneliness is being alone without any choice, for days at a time. Some elderly people can go for weeks at a time without speaking to anyone. Today’s challenge could make a real difference to someone’s life and well being.
Act 27: Lonely
Loneliness is something we’re all prone to at times. Even those of us in churches can feel it. Often, we assume that someone else, somewhere, is offering generous support to the lonely. But why not just find a way to be that person? The Bible says that God ‘puts the lonely into families’ (Psalm 68:6): today the way He does that could be through you.
Choose how you’ll complete today’s act:
Green:
Go for a drink with someone. Take tea to an elderly person on their own, or a new mum. Or grab a coffee with a new student who’s still making friends.
Amber:
Let someone know you’re around. Tell them you’d be up for checking in with regular texts. Or even let them know they can call on you for anything, from having you on speed dial to going along with them to an event.
Red:
Make a commitment to a lonely person. Take them under your wing and look out for them. Start today by inviting them to a meal with your friends.
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“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
(James 1:27 NIV)
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