The Power of Partnership
When the pandemic first arrived on the scene in 2019, many of us were forced into isolation unlike anything we had ever known. What we thought would be short-lived turned into an ongoing saga where we were forced to learn how to function alone.
Though Covid-19 is still present, we have evolved as a nation better equipped to manage it. Life is beginning to return to a new normal that now allows us to enjoy many of the old privileges and social outings we were previously accustomed to. However, we’ve still managed to carry over some things from life in quarantine, namely living in isolation, and it may be hurting us more than we realize.
As quarantine lasted for months and then years, we fostered a sense of independence that made us feel as though doing it alone was the rule as opposed to the exception to the rule. As a result, we’ve become more independent than ever. We struggle to reach out for help. We have found new ways to do things on our own thanks to apps and deliverable services. We prefer remote gatherings to in-person connectivity. We are operating as if we live on individual islands and often suffer or struggle in silence.
But what if I told you that doing it alone was not God’s design? From the beginning, God demonstrated to us the point that being alone was not favorable. When God created Adam he noted that it was not good for man to be alone and decided to make a suitable helper for him (Genesis 2:18).
There are benefits and blessings tied to togetherness and the scripture supports this.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
When we walk together, we are able to help each other bear the hardships of life. No one person is designed to carry the weight of this world on their own, and when we partner with each other we can discover the relief that comes when we allow other people to share our burdens.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
Partnering with others also allows us to access accountability and leverage the support of our community. As we confess our sins one to another we can benefit from a community that will uplift us in times of need, remind us of the truth of God’s word and His ways, and keep us lifted up in prayer so that we can experience divine change.
While it may no longer be the norm to pursue community, we should seek to support and be supported by one another. As we partner with one another, we can build up the Kingdom of Christ and experience the boundless benefits of connecting with other members of the body of Christ. The grace and goodness found in togetherness can provide us freedom from the darkness and heaviness of the world. So let’s seek to partner with one another so that we can use our combined gifts and talents to bring light to the world and blessings to the lives of others, while also experiencing the blessings of community and fellowship.
