not alone

What does it mean to be lonely? I ask that question when I consider these words,

Acts 2:44
And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had.

When the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost, those who responded were not alone. They “met together constantly.” They shared life together. Jesus promises he will be with those who gather in his name. When you spend time with someone and one way or another Jesus is part of the mix, then you aren’t lonely. With the rapid pace of society and the impersonal nature of it all, there are times when you can be with people and still be lonely. Yet this doesn’t happen when disciples come together. Why?

Being a follower of Jesus includes being with people for their sake. Support and encouragement. Sometimes just being present knowing “it is good to be here” (Matthew 17:4). You don’t have to be doing any kind of spiritual discipline experience together. It is as simple as knowing you are among friends. Boundaries of graciousness expand and you can be relaxed and refreshed.