Are you struggling with how to overcome loneliness by seeking Christian friendship? Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two people are better than one because they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” . (NTV) It is not good to be alone, but it is also unnecessary when it is because you believe in these four myths about loneliness:
- If I go up to people and they reject me, I can’t stand it. It’s not fun or comfortable being rejected, but it won’t kill you. You can survive. Watch what you tell yourself about rejection. If you tell yourself you can’t take it, it will be worse than if you tell yourself it’s not a big deal.
- If someone doesn’t want to be my friend, something is wrong with me. Is not true. People have busy lives and some already have everything they have and don’t have time to make new friends. For you to have a new friendship, both of you must have a need for a new friend. Keep trying, you will find your match. And remember, you also don’t want to be friends with everyone you meet and that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with that person.
- I have to wait for someone to start a relationship.. This approach is a sure guarantee to keep you alone for longer. If you want something desperate enough, you have to take the initiative. Find a support group, get involved in a small group or study at church, ask someone out for coffee or play with your kids, volunteer or make the first call.
- I’m doomed because I have bad social skills.. People who are good conversationalists and outgoing find it much easier to make friends than others. However, if your social skills aren’t great, there are several things you can do: go online and read articles on starting conversations, see a counselor to help you overcome your fears, or choose smaller activities and start one-on-one conversations. . rather than in a large group.
God created us with the need to relate to him and to other people. We need to reach out to connect with others, and we are responsible for taking the necessary steps to do so. The first step is to let go of these four loneliness myths that keep you stuck. You can be a conqueror of loneliness!
