The Only Thing Worse Than Being Sad – Wednesday

Week 2 |IN – Loving People More

Listen instead of reading

Take a Moment

Ask God what He wants to show you before reading today

Read The Daily

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. (Romans 12:13)

There’s a great scene from Ted Lasso when the team is dealing with defeat.  Their coach, Ted Lasso says, “I promise you, there is something worse out there than being sad—and that is being alone and being sad.”

When my son had a horrific season ending injury his junior year, I noticed he was sitting on the couch and extremely depressed.  He was devastated and we were devastated for him.  That’s when I told him that he was going to be sad, but he wasn’t going to be sad alone.  That’s the power of community. 

But let’s be honest, most of us resist others because of several factors. Here’s my first piece of advice….Resist the Urge to Withdraw.   When we’ve been hurt by others, the natural tendency is to move away from everyone else. When we mess up and are sadly shamed by others, it’s similarly natural to withdraw into ourselves. But while this withdrawal may be a natural survival instinct, it won’t lead to complete healing. At some point, we must move toward others to find comfort and healing.  Here’s my second piece of advice I’ve learned…Community Is Built, Not Found

While listening to a podcast, I heard a pastor say to the church, “This isn’t a great place to find community—it’s a great place to build community.” In other words, if you’re looking for a community that will welcome you into its club of happy, non-dramatic, non-demanding friends, good luck. Maybe you do find a group that says, “Come on in; it’s perfect in here. We’ve been waiting just for you. We have everything taken care of.” But that’s either a false promise or it’s a cult.  No, true  community must be built, not found.  

But, true community within the church body is hard because people are hard (yes, that includes you). But it’s worthwhile. And in my experience, the more time and energy you invest in helping others feel connected, the more you tend to feel connected. If you work to make a place for others, you’ll likely always have a place yourself. If you’re willing to take the initiative, build relationships, and care for others even when it’s boring, repetitive, or messy—and if you can expect this journey to count by years and not months—you will find yourself in a true and living community (Rom. 12:9–21).

It’s heartbreaking to think that so many are hurting or struggling and even worse they are doing it alone.  God never intended for you to do life alone.  So start thinking about how you could start building community. 

Prayer for the Day

God what are you  showing me?  What am I going to do about it? 

God help me to see one person that I can serve through a kind word, random act of kindness, or simple gift today?

Make sure you complete the reading or comment today.

Read The New Testament In A Year

4 x 6 Plan | Read: John 19:1-16 & 1 Corinthians 3:10-23