Day 12: Created for Communion

Opening Scripture

Genesis 2:18 18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” (NIV)

Devotional Reflection

God has no beginning. Yet He is love, and in His love He desired another to whom He could express that love. So He made humanity. From the very beginning, the purpose of creation was communion. But a loving relationship requires choice, so Adam was given the freedom either to remain with God or to rebel against Him. God allowed the tree that bore the forbidden fruit to remain in the garden in order to provide that choice.

When God looked at Adam and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone,” it was because loneliness and isolation hinder our relationship with God. We need fellowship with other believers.

Our invisible God makes Himself known to us in many ways, but one of the most prominent is through the ministry of others.

Scripture teaches that our eyes are the window into the soul, and our minds are easily captivated—or enslaved—by what we see before us. In this dark world, if we do not maintain the habit of fellowship with one another, we fail to expose ourselves regularly to the light of Christ. We can easily be blinded by the algorithms of life that bombard us with images and messages designed to stir anxiety and unrest.

It is those whose maturity has formed them in faith and peace—those who are not easily shaken by the pressures of this world—who help turn our attention back to the goodness of God. And in turn, we do the same for them when they come under attack.

We are like sheep protected by the Shepherd when wolves approach. One of the ways the Shepherd protects us is by gathering us together. As He cares for us all, we help one another as well.

The Examen

Where might isolation—intentional or unintentional—be weakening my awareness of God’s presence?

How is God inviting me to experience His love through the fellowship of others?

Lectio Divina Scripture

Hebrews 10:24–25 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)

Read the passage slowly, out loud, several times. With each reading, emphasize a different word or phrase. Notice what stands out and why.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, remind me that Your light shines brightest in fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and how much I need them. Amen.