The phrase “one another” shows up in the Bible many times. We are told to bear with one another, encourage one another, forgive one another, and – of course – to love one another. This all sounds simple until we admit that we hardly even know one another.
The ability to go it alone has become idolized. This, however, is not what God intended for mankind. In contrast, all of creation shows that each part relies on those around it. By ignoring this, humans have produced all types of problems for themselves.
Our loneliness is obvious. But how many destructive bad decisions, how much loss and heartache, how many broken lives could have been avoided simply by a person being in an authentic relationship? Take away mere religion and give me a friend or two with whom I can find God as we find one another. I think I’ll be better for it.
How does this happen? Certainly the first step is opening my eyes to the reality that the spiritual journey is an ecosystem, where we each of us must rely on one another. I need you, and that’s my declaration of interdependence.
(And a personal P.S. – “Thank you” to those with whom I share life. You are my heaven on Earth.)
and conversely, isolation is hell, and the road thereto.
The journey sure is better with company.