Is it true that we are better together? When was the last time you were betrayed? When was the last time you risked on someone and they let you down? When was the last time you did something for someone and they seemingly blew you off? When was the last time you felt alone and no one seemed to care? Is it really better to be together? Remember that first time that you had a close friend and you were playing together or hanging out and then something happened like they took the last Oreo, took your favorite toy and didn’t return it, stopped hanging out with you so they could hang out with their new bff, or maybe even just moved and were not part of your life anymore. Remember that it felt like something had gotten taken from inside of you? Remember the feeling that something wasn’t right, but not knowing what it was? Remember that feeling repeating itself over and over again over the years of your life? Did you ever give up on believing that we are better together? Did you ever stop believing that you matter to people?
The Truth is that the enemy stole something in that first betrayal, disappointment, relational conflict and has been stealing something from you ever since. The enemy has been stealing your identity. The Truth is you were made, I was made for relationships and I am better when I am in relationships with people. I am better, I experience God’s love, protection, power, wisdom, and hope for me better when I am with people. I am learning this in new ways. I am a recovering emotional isolator. I have loved people my whole life, but I have kept people at a distance, because of the disappointments of my past. I am learning to live in the truth of
Ecclesiastes 4:9 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.
I don’t know the history of your hurts, betrayals, disappointments, but I do know that you were made to be in relationships, that you are better together with people. I know inviting people into your life can feel vulnerable. I know its not easy. But there is something valuable to recover – your identity.
Take a risk and step into living out the Truth that we are better together:
Identify the places where the enemy stole your identity
Forgive the people that caused the hurt
Invite Jesus to heal you
Contact someone and begin a new level of relationship
I am, You are, We are better together.