ISOLATION AND LONELINESS

Introduction

We are social creatures. Our connection to others is very important for our success and happiness. The circumstances of life such as the death of a spouse, retirement, separation from friends and family, loss of mobility and lack of transportation can bring on isolation and loneliness. Isolation and loneliness may affect our health in a variety of ways: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, mental decline, and even death.

When people are isolated and lonely they may see the world around them in a more negative way. They may become angry and hostile. They may become verbally abusive and exhibit inappropriate behavior. They may stop taking care of themselves and refuse outside help.

Over the past two and a half years people have become even more isolated. Many of you are more isolated and lonely because of the pandemic. This is probably affecting you mentally, emotionally, and physically even if you don’t realize it.

Many have even isolated themselves from family. Or family has isolated themselves from them. They may feel like David, Psalm 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

We are members one of another.

Romans 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

Romans 12:4-5 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

I might have expected the end of verse 5 to read that we are every one members of Christ. But it says members one of another. We need each other. We who are in union with Christ are also in union with one another. We are to walk in love and fellowship with one another. We are to sympathize with and serve one another.

As Christ ministers to us, He gifts us to minister to one another. And if no one ministers to me, and if I don’t allow others to minister to me, then I cannot be as healthy spiritually and emotionally as I could be. We must not purposefully isolate ourselves.

What can we do to help those who are isolated?

1.   Send cards to people

2.   Make hospital visits.

3.   Make house calls.

a.  Husband and Wife or Female to Female etc.

b.  Phone ahead.

c.   See if you can bring them anything.

d.  Art, baking, gardening, etc.

4.   Listen, listen, listen, encourage, encourage

5.   Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

6.   If you drive . . . (ideas)

a.  Take them to the store

b.  Bring them to church

c.   Pick up prescriptions, etc.

d.  To a park to sit and watch the ducks.

e.  Visit the botanical gardens.

f.     If you can afford it, ...

                                                           i.     Take them out to eat

                                                         ii.     Take them to get their hair or nails done, barber shop, etc.

7.   If you are sick or isolated or lonely let people know.

8.   Also, if you are feeling lonely; bless someone else. Do something for someone, even if it is a card or phone call.