BETTER TOGETHER is a journey our church is on to create more connection points, provide outlets and opportunities for people to connect. LIFE IS BETTER TOGETHER.
SERIES: BETTER TOGETHER
PART 1: LONELINESS: THE SILENT EPIDEMIC
Text: Various
Pastor Tom Cogle
Sunday, October 27, 2024
LONELY PEOPLE
1. 36% of all Americans feel “serious loneliness.” As high as 50% of Americans report feeling lonely sometimes or always.
2. 63% of adults earning less than $50,000 per year are classified as lonely.
3. 61% of young adults 18-25 and 51% of mothers with young children feel “serious loneliness.”
4. 72% of minorities are classified as lonely.
5. 79% of adults aged 18-24 report feeling lonely compared to 41% of seniors aged 66 and older.
LONELINESS IMPACT
1. Those with strong social relationships are 50percent less likely to die prematurely than people with weak social relationships.
2. Loneliness and lack of social connection is equal to the risk of smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and it’s greater than the risk associated with obesity, excess alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise.
3. Loneliness is associated with a greater risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, dementia, depression, anxiety, and premature death.
4. Studies also reveal that lonely people are more likely to have lower-quality sleep, more immune system dysfunction, more impulsive behavior, and impaired judgement.
5. Loneliness causes us to question our self-worth and assume there is something wrong with us. Which in turn makes us lack confidence and try less to reach out to others.
6. A large percentage of alcohol and drug usage is fueled by trying to numb the pain of loneliness.
THREE DIMENSIONS OF LONELINESS
1. Intimate or Emotional Loneliness: The longing for a close confidante or intimate partner – someone with whom you share a deep mutual bond of affection and trust.
2. Relational or SOCIAL Loneliness: The yearning for quality friendships and social companionship and support.
3. COLLECTIVE Loneliness: The hunger for a network or community of people who share your sense of purpose and interests.
CREATED FOR CONNECTION
1. We were created in the IMAGE of God.
Genesis 1:26-27
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us . . .
27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
v “Human relationship is as essential to our well-being as food and water.” Vivek Murthy – 19th US Surgeon General
2. We were created for COMPANIONSHIP.
Genesis 2:18
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
3. We are STRONGER together.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two people are BETTER off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
4. We are better together in COMMUNITY.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Acts 2:44-47
And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
5. We are WISER together.
Proverbs 11:14
Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.
6. We COMPLETE each other.
1 Corinthians 12:12
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:20-22: Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.
Romans 12:4-5: Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
WHAT IS LONELINESS?
1. When our social EXPERIENCE fails to meet our social expectations.
2. Loneliness occurs when the connections a person needs in life are greater than the connections THEY HAVE.
3. Feelings of loneliness are an internal WARNING.
Psalm 25:16-17
Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. 17 My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all!
4. Loneliness is the absence of LOVE and acceptance.
Philippians 2:2
Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Colossians 3:14
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
5. Love is the ANTIDOTE to loneliness.
John 3:16-17
For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
VISION: Impacting every ONE with the love of Jesus Christ.
BETTER TOGETHER HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:
1. Do ONE random act of kindness a day.
2. Touch people when you talk to them.
*All scriptures are NLT (New Living Translation) unless otherwise noted