Read: Genesis 2:18-25
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (v. 24)

“Loneliness is the first thing which God’s eye named ‘not good,’” said the English poet John Milton. God created us to be in relationships with others. Contrast this with one of the cruelest forms of punishment: solitary confinement.

C. S. Lewis says, “We are born helpless. As soon as we are fully conscious we discover loneliness. We need others physically, emotionally, intellectually. We need them if we are to know anything, even ourselves” (The Four Loves, p. 2). While not primarily a relationship guide, the Bible has insights and lessons about relationships that we are going to explore in this series of devotionals.

Beginning with the husband and wife relationship described in Genesis 1 and 2, we see that men and women were created by God to be in community. When God saw that Adam was alone, he created a companion from one of his ribs. When the man saw the woman he declared, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Gen. 1:23).

Being alone can be the result of a deep hurt, a tragic loss, or even personal choice. But the desire for relationship is something God has placed within us. It is not good for any of us to be alone, and reaching out for relationships is risky. Yet the rewards in finding real community far exceed the risks.

Prayer:
Lord, please help us each discover your intentions in all our relationships.

Author: Rich Rockwood