Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Luke 14:12-14

---

Far from family (intentionally), friends and familiar surroundings, my early 20’s in Oregon was both the adventure of a lifetime and three very lonely years.  Although Jesus was my very real and constant companion, I painfully lacked the nourishment and balance of healthy community, friendship, and purpose.

There have been other periods in my life that have been lonely, too, and perhaps there will be again in my future. I don’t know. I do know that in each period of loneliness, once I let go of waiting for a better life or the kinds of people I want to be friends with and instead connect with the people around me, accepting them as they are, the loneliness dissipates. Even better, through the years of walking with Jesus, I have learned to pay attention to others who need a friend or, at the very least, someone to listen to them and acknowledge them. 

We exist to be in relationship with God and with others. I’ve learned that by embracing this, I feel less lonely. Sometimes, I feel out of place in awkward social situations or around people who think they are superior in one way or another, but never lonely because I have learned to accept people as they are, and to even enjoy them. In the process, they reciprocate, accepting and appreciating me.

The quickest way to change the world is to change yourself. The best way to change yourself is to become deeply rooted in your relationship with Jesus our Christ, King of the Universe. Becoming deeply rooted in the heart of Jesus gives you ever-greater capacity to love God, and out of that, a growing authentic love for others and yourself develops. As we practice love, loneliness fades, and life grows more true and solid. 

Next Steps

Ask God to see others as He sees them. This will change how you interact with other people and what you think about them. Then, ask God if there is anyone you can pray for, and He will point them out. It is exciting and life-changing to do this.

Now ask God to help you learn to appreciate and love yourself as He appreciates and loves you. Jesus is extremely kind and gentle in answering this prayer. This can be scary, but it leads to a greater, freer life. It’s worth it!