One of America’s greatest needs, and how the church can help …

Over the past few years, there have been several polls and studies revealing that Americans today are feeling more lonely than at any other time in our history.

It’s somewhat of an alarming fact in a culture that emphasizes social interaction and has more ways to connect to others than ever before.

Yet, it’s not uncommon to see a room full of people all busy “connecting” to people they don’t know via technology while not saying a word to the “real” person next to them. That scene is common in our own homes.

The church isn’t free of this growing loneliness. It’s possible for a person to visit a church service without ever being spoken to by regular attenders. And small groups that have met for years are often made up of acquaintances who talk about “doing life” together, but really only “do” small group together once a week.

Yes, even Christians are reporting they are lonelier now than in the past.

What makes this growing loneliness so profound is that when we feel lonely, we often feel unloved.

What can the church do regarding this sad emptiness so many are experiencing?

Walk into someone’s life.

I’m not talking about inviting someone to church, or a small group, or some kind of Bible study. I’m talking about personally walking into someone’s life. Befriend someone, and spend personal time with them.

Love them.

Sit in person and talk with them.

Do things together.

At this point the howls of  “I don’t have time for this!” is ringing loudly.

Make time, even if the effort costs you something.

If you want to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, do what He constantly did — make it a priority to walk into people’s lives and love them with the love of God.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other,” John 13:34.

Who are you loving with the love of Christ?

Scotty